Directorate Changes
Victoria PLC
01 October 2007
Issued by Citigate Dewe Rogerson Ltd, Birmingham
Date: Monday, 1 October 2007
Embargoed: 7.00am
Victoria PLC
('Group' or 'Company')
Leading manufacturers of high quality carpets in the UK, Australia and Ireland
Directorate Changes
As part of the Group's strategic development programme, the Directors have
decided that it is now an appropriate time to announce the succession plans that
the Board has put in place with regard to the composition of the Non-Executive
Director team.
• Appointment of New Non-Executive Directors
The Company is pleased to announce the appointments of Mr Aram Shishmanian and
Ms Nikki Beckett to the Board as Non-Executive Directors with effect from Monday
1 October 2007.
Aram Shishmanian
Aram (56) has over 30 years experience as a management consultant working with
many of the leading financial services firms internationally and operating at
board and senior executive levels. He joined Accenture (formerly Andersen
Consulting) in 1976 and became a partner in 1987. After several leadership
roles, he was promoted to Global Managing Partner of the financial markets
industry practice, a position he held until 1998, when he was then promoted to
Senior Partner, a position he held until 2003.
His current appointments include: Non-Executive Director of Resolution PLC, (a
FTSE-100 company and the largest UK insurance consolidator), an independent
member of the International Executive of Lovells LLP, (an international law
firm), Chairman of Chase Cooper Ltd (a risk management consulting firm),
Non-Executive Director of Carthesio (a Swiss private bank), and Trustee of Marie
Curie Cancer Care. He is a member of the International Advisory Board of the
Cass Business School and City University. He also holds a BA in Economics with
Honours as well as an MBA.
The Board of Victoria consider that Mr Shishmanian's financial and corporate
experience from both a small business to a global perspective will complement
the skills of other members of the Group's Board and operating teams.
Mr Shishmanian will be the Company's Senior Independent Non-Executive Director,
Chairman of the Company's Audit Committee and a member of both the Remuneration
and Nominations Committees.
Nikki Beckett
Nikki (46) brings to the Board entrepreneurial skills and a comprehensive,
all-round understanding of business.
Nikki was recognised by Ernst & Young in 2000 when she was awarded 'Entrepreneur
of the Year' and in 1999 when she was named 'Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the
Year'. Both awards acknowledged her achievements with NSB Retail Systems PLC
which she founded in 1994, following a successful 15-year career with IBM.
Nikki took NSB public in 1997 and she was Group Chief Executive Officer until
she left the Board in March of this year.
The Board of Victoria consider that Nikki's comprehensive all-round
understanding of business, in particular IT software, from an outsourcing and
customer service knowledge perspective, will add value and benefit the Group in
its next stage of development.
Nikki will be a Member of the Nominations, Audit and Remuneration Committees.
• Retirement of Current Non-Executive Directors
The Company also announces the planned retirements of the following
Non-Executive Directors:
Keith Ackroyd, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director
Mr Ackroyd (73) has informed the Directors that he wishes to step down and
retire from the Board with effect from 2 December 2007, having been with the
Company since August 1998.
Bob Gilbert, Director and Non-Executive Chairman
Mr Gilbert (59) was appointed in July 1996 and his current contractual letter of
appointment is due to expire on 10 May 2008. However, Mr Gilbert has indicated
that having already served over 11 years on the Board that he too would like to
step down from the Board and retire from the Company on 2 December 2007.
• Chairman Elect
The Board considers that it is an appropriate time for Alexander Anton, who is
currently a Non-Executive Director, to take up the position as Non-Executive
Director and Chairman, a role he will assume with effect from 3 December 2007.
Alexander Anton
Alexander (47) joined the Board of Victoria PLC in 1995, having previously been
involved with the Group's principal trading subsidiary, Victoria Carpets since
1987. He is founder and Executive Chairman of Fraser Corporate Real Estate, a
property management business and Legacy Portfolio, a lease liability fund. He
was also Chairman of the Federation of Corporate Real Estate Advisors from 2005
to 2007. Until recently, he was Chairman of The Queen's Club, a position he held
for three years, before stepping down after having led the Members' consortium
in its successful acquisition of the Club from the LTA in the summer.
Mr Anton will also be Chairman of the Company's Remuneration and Nominations
Committees.
Commenting on the Non-Executive Directorate changes, Alan Bullock, Group
Managing Director, Victoria PLC said:
'The timing of these changes has been put forward by Mr Gilbert and Mr Ackroyd
and their decision clearly allows for an orderly transition by the Company's
current Non-Executives to the new team whilst also dovetailing well with the
Group's strategic planning programme for the future.
'On behalf of the Executive Members of the Board, Employees and Shareholders, I
would like to thank both Bob and Keith for their immense contribution and
commitment to the Group's development over the last decade.
'Bob Gilbert joined Victoria as Chairman in 1996 and, together with the
Executive team appointed at that time, has played a key part in the
reorganisation and brand repositioning of the business to form the foundation
upon which the Company has established its leading market position today. Keith
Ackroyd's experience, stewardship and wise counsel will be sadly missed.
However, we thank them for their assistance in recruiting these high quality
people and wish them both well in the future.'
Bob Gilbert, Chairman at Victoria added:
'I have thoroughly enjoyed my Chairmanship and I retire leaving the Group in a
strong position ready for its next stage of development.
'I would like to welcome Aram and Nikki to Victoria. Both bring a wealth of
knowledge and experience gained from a variety of roles undertaken within UK and
global businesses. These new skills complement the current Executive team and
will assist us to further build on our solid market position and brand in the UK
and overseas.
'We congratulate Alexander on his nomination as Chairman. The extensive
commercial experience gained from a variety of outside business interests will
stand him in good stead to take on this new role.
'With the strong operating management teams at Victoria coupled with the
strength and depth of experience on the Board, the Company will be well
positioned to take advantage of any opportunities that arise'.
No further details regarding Aram Shishmanian, Nikki Beckett and Alexander Anton
are required to be disclosed to comply with Rule 9.6.13 of the Listing Rules.
Enquiries:
Alan Bullock, Group Managing Director Fiona Tooley, Director
Ian Davies, Group Finance Director Keith Gabriel, Senior Account Manager
Victoria PLC Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Tel: +44 (0) 1562 749640 Tel: +44 (0) 121 455 8370
Mobile: +44 (0) 7785 325701 (AB) Mobile: +44 (0) 7785 703523 (FMT)
www.victoria.plc.uk
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