Directorate Change

RNS Number : 5152A

AO World plc

08 June 2016

 

AO World plc

Directorate Change

Geoff Cooper appointed to succeed Richard Rose as Chairman

AO World plc is pleased to announce the appointment of Geoff Cooper as Chairman, to succeed Richard Rose as Chairman, who after eight successful years in the role, will step down at the Company's AGM in July.

Geoff will be appointed as a non-executive director of the Company with effect from 1^st July 2016.

Geoff is currently chairman of Card Factory plc and Bourne Leisure, a private company. He previously held executive positions at Travis Perkins plc and Alliance UniChem plc (subsequently Alliance Boots plc), and was non-executive chair at Dunelm plc for 11 years before retiring in July last year.

Brian McBride, Senior Independent Director, who led the process to appoint a successor, commented:

"Having conducted a thorough process, it was clear that Geoff was the best fit for the organisation. He has over 20 years' experience serving on the Boards of UK public companies, and is enormously experienced in both the world of retail and high-growth companies. He is a strong addition to the Board, bringing great leadership, integrity and knowledge to the role and will ensure the good governance and controls we have put in place over the years are continued."

Commenting on his appointment, Geoff Cooper said:

"I am delighted to have joined the AO Board and look forward to working with John, Steve and Mark and my fellow non-executive Directors to further deliver the strategy the company has set out.

"AO has the strong foundations required for sustainable, long term success and I am excited by the opportunity to Chair the business as it continues its expansion."

John Roberts, CEO, commented:

"On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Richard for his hard work and commitment over the last eight years, and to welcome Geoff to AO.

"Geoff's experience and character means he is an excellent addition to the team who will work effectively with the Board as we continue on our journey to become the best electrical retailer in Europe, by being exceptional in the moments that matter."

AO notes to editors

Geoff has over 20 years' experience of serving on boards of UK public companies, in particular as Chief Executive of Travis Perkins plc from March 2005 until December 2013 and as a Director and Non-Executive Chairman of Dunelm Group plc between 2004 and 2015. Geoff is also a Director and Non-Executive Chairman of Bourne Leisure and an adviser to Charterhouse Capital Partners LLP. He is a chartered management accountant and had a career in management consultancy before joining Gateway (subsequently Somerfield plc) as Finance Director in 1990. In 1994, he became Finance Director of UniChem plc, subsequently Alliance UniChem plc (which later became part of Alliance Boots plc), where he was appointed Deputy Chief Executive in 2001.

In accordance with the Listing Rules, AO World PLC confirms that there are no matters relating to Geoff Cooper that would require disclosure under LR 9.6.13.

Enquiries:

AO World plc

Julie Finnemore

Company Secretary

Tel: [phone]

Tulchan Communications

Susanna Voyle

Michelle Clarke

Tel: [phone]

 

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