11 Feb 2016 07:00
11 February 2016
Countrywide plc
Board appoints new Chairman
The Board of Countrywide plc ("Countrywide" or the "Company") today announces that Grenville Turner will retire as Non-Executive Chairman at the Company's 2015 Annual General Meeting on 27th April 2016.
The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Long as Non-Executive Director of the Company with immediate effect. Peter will take over as Non-Executive Chairman following the Company's Annual General Meeting on 27th April 2016.
Peter is Chairman of Royal Mail plc, and having ceased to be Joint Chief Executive of TUI AG, with effect from 9 February 2016 is a member of TUI AG's Supervisory Board. Prior to this, he held a variety of senior roles in the travel and leisure sector. He was formerly Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of RAC plc (2001-2005) and Rentokil Initial plc (2005-2014). He was also a Non-Executive Director of Debenhams plc (2006-2009). Peter brings a strong customer focus and a wealth of plc board experience.
Commenting on today's announcement, Alison Platt, Chief Executive, said:
"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Grenville for his dedication and significant commitment to the development of Countrywide during his tenure. As Chairman and previously as CEO, Grenville has been unwavering in his stewardship of Countrywide. Personally, he has been unstinting in his support and guidance for me and his counsel has been invaluable."
"I am pleased that Peter has accepted the role of Chairman and would like to welcome him to Countrywide. I and the entire Board look forward to working with him as Countrywide pursue its strategic objectives."
Peter Long added: "I am delighted to be joining the Countrywide plc board as Chairman and am looking forward to working with Alison and her team. The group has a clear focus on its customers as it executes its strategy and generates long-term sustainable shareholder value."
There is no additional information to be disclosed under Listing Rule 9.6.13 of the UKLA Listing Rules in respect of the appointment of Peter Long.
This appointment is subject to FCA approval.
- Ends -
Contacts:
Media InvestorsCaroline Somers Jim ClarkeHead of External Communications Group Chief Financial Officer+44(0)7515919588 +44(0)7970 477299
About Countrywide plc
Countrywide is the UK's largest integrated property services group, including the largest estate agency and lettings network. Countrywide's network of expertise combining national scale and local reach helps more people move than any other business in the UK and is structured around four key business units: Retail, London, B2B and Financial Services.
We are proud of our strong position:
· £19 billion worth of property sold in 2014 - More homes in the UK than anyone else
· £10 billion of mortgages completed - Largest single mortgage broker in the UK
· 70,000 properties under management - Largest player in a fragmented market
Countrywide plc's award-winning service has earned the business over 225 high-profile industry awards in the last eight years, with customers voting Countrywide Best National Agency Group at the 2015 ESTAS awards. Our residential lettings business won Best Large National Lettings Agency at the Letting Agency of the Year Awards 2015 (in association with The Sunday Times and The Times) and Countrywide Surveying Services won the award for Best Surveyor/ Valuer at the Financial Reporter Awards 2015.