6 November 2012
Morgan Sindall Group plc: Board and Operational Changes
Board Changes
The Board of Morgan Sindall Group plc ('Morgan Sindall' or the 'Group') today announces a number of significant and immediate Board and operational changes to the Group.
Executive Chairman, John Morgan, has been appointed Chief Executive. Senior Independent Director, Adrian Martin, has been appointed Non-Executive Chairman and Patrick De Smedt has been appointed Senior Independent Director. The Group's Chief Executive, Paul Smith, has resigned from the Board of Morgan Sindall Group plc.
The Board is also pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Peace, CBE, as a Non-Executive Director. Liz Peace has been Chief Executive of the British Property Federation (BPF) since 2002 following a long and varied career in the Ministry of Defence, including twelve years until 2002 as company secretary and director of corporate affairs at QinetiQ Group plc (formerly the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency). Liz is also a member of the board of Peabody, a trustee of property charity Land Aid and a non-executive director of Turley Associates.
Operational Changes
In recent months, Morgan Sindall has been undertaking a review of its operations to improve the efficiency of its businesses to better position the Group for its medium to longer-term growth opportunities. The Morgan Sindall construction business is being reorganised to focus delivery through regional hub offices, with a number of smaller regional offices being closed. Changes have also been made to improve the operational efficiency of delivering affordable housing. Consistent with these changes, the Group is also simplifying the management structure with John Morgan being appointed Chief Executive.
Chairman, Adrian Martin, said:
"After almost ten years as Chief Executive of Morgan Sindall, Paul Smith has announced his intention to stand down from the Board. We would like to thank Paul for his significant contribution to the Group over this period and wish him well in the future"
"The Board regularly reviews the way in which the Group operates, to reflect changes in our markets so that we can respond rapidly to capture new opportunities. The organisational changes underway give us a simplified operating structure. "
"We are delighted to welcome Liz to the Board. We believe that she will make a significant contribution as an independent non-executive director. Her public sector background with the MOD as well as her extensive knowledge and understanding of the UK property industry through her role at the BPF will bring a valuable new set of skills and experience to Board discussions. I look forward to working with Liz in the coming years."
Chief Executive, John Morgan said:
"I am excited by the opportunities for the Group. My focus will be on growing the business and ensuring that exceptional levels of service continue to be delivered to clients across the Group. I would also like to add a personal thanks to Paul, with whom I have enjoyed working over many years."
-Ends -
Morgan Sindall Group plc Tel: 020 7307 9200
John Morgan, Chief Executive
David Mulligan, Finance Director
Brunswick Tel: 0207 404 5959
Nick Cosgrove
Alison Kay
Notes to Editors:
Morgan Sindall Group plc is a leading UK construction and regeneration group operating through five divisions of construction and infrastructure, affordable housing, fit out, urban regeneration and investments.
John Morgan founded the business in 1977 and was Chief Executive from 1994 to 2000, becoming Executive Chairman in 2000. Paul Smith joined the Board of Morgan Sindall as Chief Executive in 2003. Adrian Martin joined the Board in 2008 and became SID in 2010. New SID, Patrick De Smedt joined the Board in 2009.
There are no other details requiring disclosure under Listing Rule 9.6.13R in relation to Elizabeth Peace.