Last checked at 21 May 2010 07:00
WH IRELAND GROUP PLC
Board Changes
WH Ireland Group plc (WHI) (the "Company") today announces that Richard Ford, Chief Executive Officer, and Nigel Gurney, Finance Director, have indicated their intention to step down from the Board later this year. In order to ensure a smooth handover, Richard will remain with the Company until 31st August and Nigel will remain until 11th November and the Board is already in discussions with a number of potential candidates.
Rupert Lowe, Chairman said: "We are very grateful to Richard and Nigel for all they have done. Due to the difficult economic environment it has been a challenging two years but the Company's prospects are better now than at any time in the recent past. We are now in a position where the considerable talent and experience within WH Ireland will enable us to take full advantage of the improving trading conditions. There is much still to do and the fact that both Richard and Nigel are committed to a constructive handover will greatly help us. The Board has enjoyed working with both of them and we thank them for their contribution."
Richard Ford said: "I joined the Company two years ago with a mandate to restructure the business and turn it around. I am pleased with the progress made to date and believe that I have achieved my set objectives. I have enjoyed this challenge and working with Rupert and the Board to get this right. I now believe that it is the right time for a successor to take up the challenge and to take WHI forward to the next stage. I will be leaving WH Ireland on the 31st August 2010, almost two years to the day since I started, and I will be leaving with the knowledge that the Company is in a much stronger place than when I joined."
Nigel Gurney added: "It has been a challenging but enjoyable task working with the Board to help to turn the business around and now is the appropriate time for a new executive team to take things forward. I am committed to my notice period of six months and look forward to working constructively with my successor to ensure a smooth handover and transition."
Enquiries:
WH Ireland Tel: 020 7220 1666
Rupert Lowe
Oriel Securities Ltd Tel: 020 7710 7600
Tom Durie
Biddicks (Financial PR to WH Ireland) Tel: 020 7448 1000
Zoe Biddick