New UK Appointment

RNS Number : 6125L

Wolseley PLC

10 May 2010

 



 

 WOLSELEY APPOINTS STEVE ASHMORE TO LEAD UK BUSINESS

Wolseley is pleased to announce that, following an extensive search of both internal and external candidates, Steve Ashmore has been appointed as UK Managing Director with effect from 10 May 2010.

Steve, aged 45, has considerable construction materials distribution sector experience and, since 2008, he has been Managing Director of Wolseley's UK Heavyside businesses of Build Center, Drain Center, Brandon Hire and Encon.  Prior to that, between 2007 and 2008 he was Managing Director of the UK Lightside businesses of Plumb Center, Parts Center, Unifix and BCG.  He joined Wolseley in October 2005 as UK Brand Development Director.

Steve has strong international operational experience and before joining Wolseley spent over 11 years with Exel plc, the supply chain and third party logistics provider, in a variety of leadership positions.  Between 2003 and 2005 he was Managing Director, Europe of Exel's Industrial Division, covering logistics and supply chain management for the capital goods, utilities and processing industries. Prior to that, he was Managing Director, Continental Europe comprising Exel businesses in Spain, France, Germany and Portugal.  Before joining Exel, Steve was a consultant for management consulting firm A. T. Kearney Ltd for two years.

Steve will join Wolseley's Executive Committee and will report to Ian Meakins, Wolseley Chief Executive.  In addition to his new role, in the short term he will continue to manage the UK Heavyside operations until a successor is appointed.

Commenting on the appointment, Ian Meakins, Wolseley plc Chief Executive, said:

"Steve brings a wealth of sector and international experience, having undertaken a number of leadership roles both within Wolseley but also with Exel, working with leading international brands running their logistics and supply chain activities. His track record on improvement of business performance, which most recently includes improving the performance of the Heavyside division, is impressive and we are delighted to welcome him as UK Managing Director."

-ENDS-

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Enquiries

Analysts/Investors:

Derek Harding                                                             [phone]

Director of Group Strategy and Investor Relations     [phone]  

Media:

Mark Fearon                                                                [phone]

Director of Corporate Communications                    

Brunswick                                                                  [phone]

Andrew Fenwick / Kate Miller

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Notes to Editors

Wolseley plc is the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of building materials. Group revenue for the year ended 31 July 2009 was approximately £14.4 billion and operating profit, before exceptional items and the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles, was £447 million. At 31 January 2010 Wolseley had approximately 47,000 employees operating in 25 countries. Wolseley is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: WOS) and is in the FTSE 100 index of listed companies

 

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