New Group Finance Director

Inchcape PLC 07 December 2005 7 December 2005 Inchcape appoints new Group Finance Director Inchcape plc, the international automotive services group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Barbara Richmond as Group Finance Director. Barbara will take up her post and join the Board of Inchcape plc as an Executive Director in April 2006. Barbara joins the Company from Croda International Plc, a global speciality chemicals business, where she has held the position of Group Finance Director, since 1997. In 2002, in addition to her Group Finance Director role, Barbara was appointed President of Active Ingredients and Industrial Chemicals and was responsible for managing seven business units within Croda International Plc, successfully increasing sales and driving growth during her tenure. Previously Barbara worked for Whessoe plc, from 1992 to 1997, where she was appointed Group Finance Director in 1994. Her responsibilities included strategy development, and acquisitions and disposals. Barbara began her career at Arthur Andersen & Co., later joining the finance function at GEC Alsthom Limited. Peter Johnson, Group Chief Executive, commented: 'We are delighted to recruit someone of Barbara's calibre to Inchcape. With extensive experience managing the finance departments of UK listed companies and a strong international pedigree, Barbara has an excellent track record. 'Her financial skills and experience of managing complex global businesses augur well for the continued development of the Group.' Andre Lacroix, Group Chief Executive Designate, said: 'Barbara has a proven record in leveraging company assets to drive further growth in shareholder value, as well as considerable experience in the international arena. 'I am greatly looking forward to working with her, and the rest of the Inchcape senior management team, in taking the Company through the next stage of its growth.' Commenting on her appointment, Barbara Richmond said: 'I am delighted to be joining Inchcape. The company has a strong track record and many exciting opportunities for the future. I am looking forward to working with Andre, the Board and all the employees at Inchcape.' Barbara, 45, is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. She is the Senior Independent Director and Audit Committee Chair at Carclo plc and Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chair of Scarborough Building Society. Notes to editors As Group Finance Director, Barbara Richmond will receive a basic annual salary of £385,000. Her other contractual terms are in line with those of the other Executive Directors. For further information, please contact: Group Communications, Inchcape plc 020 7546 0022 Hogarth Partnership Limited (John Olsen/Barnaby Fry) 020 7357 9477 Inchcape, an international automotive services group, provides quality representation for its manufacturer partners, a choice of channels to market and products for its retail customers and a range of business services for its corporate customers. Operations are focused on Australia, Belgium, Greece, Hong Kong, Singapore and the UK. Inchcape's activities include exclusive Import, Distribution and Retail, Business Services, automotive E-commerce and Financial Services. Our key manufacturer partners are Toyota/Lexus, Subaru, BMW, the Premier Automotive Group of Ford, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. For further information, visit us at www.inchcape.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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Inchcape (INCH)
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