Directorate Change

RNS Number : 3141L

Vesuvius plc

18 July 2017

 

Prior to publication the information contained within this announcement was deemed by the Group to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 ("MAR").

18 July 2017

Vesuvius plc ("Vesuvius" or "the Group")

New Chief Executive

Vesuvius plc, a global leader in molten metal flow engineering, is pleased to announce that Patrick André, President, Flow Control is to succeed François Wanecq, who is retiring, as Chief Executive with effect from 1 September 2017 and will join the Board of Directors of Vesuvius plc on that day.

Patrick André, joined Vesuvius in February 2016, as President of the Flow Control Business Unit. Since joining Vesuvius, he has been instrumental in refocusing the Flow Control Business Unit, in particular, overseeing the restructuring of its European business in 2016. Prior to joining the Group, he had a long career serving the steel industry most recently with Lhoist company, the world leader in lime production, where he held the positions of Executive Vice President Strategic Growth, CEO Europe and CEO for Asia, CIS and Africa. Prior to this he worked at the ERAMET group, a global manufacturer of Nickel and special alloys, where he was CEO of the Nickel division then CEO of the Manganese division. Patrick is a French citizen, currently based in Belgium.  He will relocate to London to take up the Chief Executive role. Patrick will continue to be responsible for the Flow Control Business Unit until a suitable replacement President is found. Patrick will also serve on the Company's Finance Committee with effect from his appointment.

François Wanecq will stand down as a Director of Vesuvius plc and as a member of the Finance Committee, on 31 August 2017 but remain with the Group until 31 December 2017 to assist with the transition of responsibilities.

John McDonough CBE, Chairman said:

"Having undertaken a comprehensive review of external and internal candidates, we are delighted to appoint Patrick André as the Group's next Chief Executive.  Since he joined us last year, he has displayed significant drive and energy in strengthening the Flow Control business. It is this commitment, together with his industry experience, strategic vision, constant customer focus and proven record of delivery that will enable him to lead the Group in the next stages of its development."

"On behalf of the Board I would like to thank François Wanecq for leading the business through a period of significant change and many challenges, with the market turmoil of 2008, the subsequent years of retrenchment, the establishment of Vesuvius as a stand-alone listed business in 2012, and the refocusing, restructuring and performance improvement that has been achieved since then.  Throughout that time, François has worked tirelessly to strengthen Vesuvius' business and to champion safety and quality throughout the group. As we look forward to Patrick assuming his new role in September, we do so from a position of great strength as a result of Francois' highly effective stewardship".

Patrick André serves on the board of Vesuvius India Limited, a company listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India, as a non-executive director. No other disclosure obligations arise under paragraphs (1) to (6) of LR 9.6.13 R of the UK Listing Authority's Listing Rules in respect of his appointment as Chief Executive of Vesuvius plc.

For further information please contact:

Shareholder/analyst enquiries:

Vesuvius plc                            François Wanecq, Chief Executive                                          [phone]

                                      Virginia Skroski, Investor Relations Manager                     [phone]

Henry Knowles, Company Secretary                                       [phone]

Media enquiries:

MHP Communications           Andrew Jaques/James White/Ollie Hoare                            [phone]

Notes

Full details of Patrick André's remuneration will be included in the 2017 Remuneration Report, however the key elements are as follows:

·     Base salary of £525,000. This will be reviewed annually for the first three years of appointment (January 2019, 2020 and 2021), and it is anticipated every three years thereafter.

·     Pension allowance of 25% of salary.

·     Eligibility to participate in the Annual Incentive Plan up to a maximum amount of 125% of base salary p.a. and to receive Performance Shares under the Vesuvius Share Plan LTIP with an annual grant of up to 200% of base salary in value. On assuming the Chief Executive role, he will receive a pro-rated "top up" of his existing Performance Share award for a value equivalent to 200% of his new base salary. This additional award will be subject to the usual 3-year vesting cycle and performance conditions.

·     UK benefits will be in line with the other Executive Director. In addition, as an expatriate, Patrick André will be entitled to receive relocation benefits under Vesuvius' applicable expatriate localisation policy, including commuting costs until July 2018, and thereafter a resettlement allowance of one month's salary, a contribution to rental fees or property purchase in connection with his relocation for three years and school fees, all of which benefits are taxable. He will also receive miscellaneous relocation benefits including assistance with home search and removals.

A Section 430(2B) statement regarding the retirement of François Wanecq will be published on the Company's website.

About Vesuvius plc

Vesuvius is a global leader in molten metal flow engineering principally serving the steel and foundry industries.

We develop innovative and customised solutions, often used in extremely demanding industrial environments, which enable our customers to improve their manufacturing processes, enhance product quality and reduce energy consumption.  These include flow control solutions, advanced refractories and other consumable products and - increasingly - related technical services including data capture.

We have a worldwide presence.  We serve our customers through a network of low-cost manufacturing plants located close to their own facilities, and embed our industry experts within their operations, who are all supported by our global technology centres.

Our core competitive strengths are our market and technology leadership, strong customer relationships, well established presence in developing markets and our global reach, all of which facilitate the expansion of our addressable markets.

Our ultimate goal is to create value for our customers, and to deliver sustainable, profitable growth for our shareholders giving a superior return on their investment whilst providing each of our employees with a safe workplace where he or she is recognised, developed and properly rewarded.

Vesuvius plc, 165 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2AE

Registered in England and Wales No. 8217766

www.vesuvius.com

 

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