Croda International Regulatory News (CRDA)

7 Dec 2005 07:01

Inchcape PLC07 December 2005 7 December 2005 Inchcape appoints new Group Finance Director Inchcape plc, the international automotive services group, is pleased toannounce the appointment of Barbara Richmond as Group Finance Director. Barbarawill take up her post and join the Board of Inchcape plc as an ExecutiveDirector in April 2006. Barbara joins the Company from Croda International Plc, a global specialitychemicals business, where she has held the position of Group Finance Director,since 1997. In 2002, in addition to her Group Finance Director role, Barbara wasappointed President of Active Ingredients and Industrial Chemicals and wasresponsible for managing seven business units within Croda International Plc,successfully increasing sales and driving growth during her tenure. Previously Barbara worked for Whessoe plc, from 1992 to 1997, where she wasappointed Group Finance Director in 1994. Her responsibilities included strategydevelopment, and acquisitions and disposals. Barbara began her career at ArthurAndersen & Co., later joining the finance function at GEC Alsthom Limited. Peter Johnson, Group Chief Executive, commented: "We are delighted to recruit someone of Barbara's calibre to Inchcape. Withextensive experience managing the finance departments of UK listed companies anda strong international pedigree, Barbara has an excellent track record. "Her financial skills and experience of managing complex global businesses augurwell for the continued development of the Group." Andre Lacroix, Group Chief Executive Designate, said: "Barbara has a proven record in leveraging company assets to drive furthergrowth in shareholder value, as well as considerable experience in theinternational arena. "I am greatly looking forward to working with her, and the rest of the Inchcapesenior management team, in taking the Company through the next stage of itsgrowth." Commenting on her appointment, Barbara Richmond said: "I am delighted to be joining Inchcape. The company has a strong track recordand many exciting opportunities for the future. I am looking forward to workingwith Andre, the Board and all the employees at Inchcape." Barbara, 45, is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Englandand Wales. She is the Senior Independent Director and Audit Committee Chair atCarclo plc and Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chair of ScarboroughBuilding Society. Notes to editors As Group Finance Director, Barbara Richmond will receive a basic annual salaryof £385,000. Her other contractual terms are in line with those of the otherExecutive Directors. For further information, please contact: Group Communications, Inchcape plc020 7546 0022 Hogarth Partnership Limited (John Olsen/Barnaby Fry)020 7357 9477 Inchcape, an international automotive services group, provides qualityrepresentation for its manufacturer partners, a choice of channels to market andproducts for its retail customers and a range of business services for itscorporate customers. Operations are focused on Australia, Belgium, Greece, HongKong, Singapore and the UK. Inchcape's activities include exclusive Import,Distribution and Retail, Business Services, automotive E-commerce and FinancialServices. Our key manufacturer partners are Toyota/Lexus, Subaru, BMW, thePremier Automotive Group of Ford, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. For further information, visit us at www.inchcape.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange