WORKSPACE ANNOUNCES SENIOR MANAGEMENT SUCCESSION
Workspace Group PLC, the leading provider of space to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across London, today announces that Harry Platt, the Chief Executive has advised the Board that following his 60th Birthday in September 2011, he intends to retire from his role during 2012. Harry has been with Workspace since 1993 and led the Company as CEO for most of that time during which he has made an enormous contribution to the Group. The Board is delighted that he will continue to lead the business until he hands over to his successor. A process to appoint a new Chief Executive, considering both internal and external candidates, has now begun.
In a separate change, following the Annual General Meeting in July, the current Chairman, Tony Hales will step down from the Board. After an extensive search, Workspace is pleased to announce that Daniel Kitchen will be joining the Group and assuming the role of Chairman after the AGM. Daniel (59) has extensive experience of working in the property industry. He is currently a Non-Executive Director at LXB Retail Properties plc, Kingspan Group PLC and Minerva plc. He is also the non-executive Chairman of Irish Nationwide Building Society and is a member of the Irish Takeover Panel. He was previously Deputy Chief Executive of Heron International plc and prior to that appointment, he was Finance Director of Green Property plc for eight years.
Tony Hales, Chairman said,
" I have personally enjoyed working with Harry Platt. I have admired his strong personal values and commitment to building Workspace. The Board will now manage an orderly transition of Chief Executive. Harry leads an executive team which has been strengthened over the last 4 years, giving the Board considerable confidence in its ability to drive forward the future strategy.
" I am also pleased to welcome Daniel Kitchen, who following his election at the AGM will succeed me as Chairman. I am delighted to be handing over a Group in robust shape to my very capable and experienced successor."
Harry Platt, Chief Executive commented,
"On behalf of my Board colleagues, I would like to thank Tony for his valuable contribution and wish him every success for the future. I look forward to welcoming Daniel to the Board and I am sure that it will benefit from his extensive experience in the property industry. I look forward to handing over to my successor the Group in such good shape, poised for growth and with breadth and depth in its executive management".
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Date: 6th June 2011
For further information contact
Workspace Group PLC City Profile
Harry Platt, Chief Executive Jonathan Gillen
Graham Clemett, Finance Director Simon Courtenay
020 7247 7614 020 7448 3244