Monday 5 July 2010
James Fisher announces change in Group Finance Director
James Fisher and Sons plc ("James Fisher" or the "Company"), the leading marine services provider, announces that Michael Shields, Group Finance Director, will retire from the Company on 30 November 2010. Stuart Kilpatrick, previously Group Finance Director of Empresaria Group Plc, will be his successor.
Michael Shields retires from James Fisher after a long and distinguished career with the Company. He joined James Fisher in 1964 and worked extensively throughout the Group's chartering, ship operations and previous ports activities. Michael became Group Accountant and Treasurer in 1983 before being appointed to the Board in 1986. He became Group Finance Director in 1996. He has played an instrumental role in the Company's transformation into becoming the leading marine services provider.
Stuart Kilpatrick has become Group Finance Director designate as of today. He has been Group Finance Director of Empresaria Group since March 2008. Previously he was Group Financial Controller and Treasurer of Elementis Plc, Group Financial Controller of Charles Baynes Plc and Group Financial Planning Manager of Vodafone Group Plc. He started his career as a graduate trainee at BDO Binder Hamlyn, having graduated from the London School of Economics.
Tim Harris, Chairman said:
"On behalf of James Fisher, I would like to thank Michael for his dedicated and exceptional service over the last 46 years and for his outstanding contribution to the Group. We are very grateful for his great endeavour and wish him all the best in his retirement.
At this time we also welcome Stuart Kilpatrick to James Fisher. His extensive experience across a broad range of companies, overseeing various growth strategies, will ensure that James Fisher can continue to explore the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. I am confident that Stuart will make a strong contribution to James Fisher and continue the Company's record of increasing shareholder value."
Under the UK Listing Rules, the Company is required to make the following disclosure. There are no further details that are required to be disclosed under paragraph LR 9.6.13 R of the UK Listing Rules in respect of Stuart Kilpatrick.
Contacts
James Fisher and Sons plc Tim Harris, Chairman 020 7614 9508
Financial Dynamics Richard Mountain 020 7269 7291