29/12/2005
BSS Group PLC ('BSS' or the 'Group'), the leading distributors of heating, plumbing and pipeline equipment to the industrial and domestic construction and maintenance markets, has appointed Gavin Slark as Group Chief Executive with effect from 1 January 2006, following the retirement of Peter Wood.
Gavin Slark joined BSS in 2002 as Managing Director of PTS, the Group's Domestic division, having previously been with ICI Dulux Decorator Centres and spent his career in trade and retail distribution businesses. In May 2005 he was appointed Group Chief Operating Officer with responsibility for the Group's trading operations.
Gavin Slark's appointment follows the retirement of Peter Wood, announced at the Group's interim results in November 2005, after four and a half years as Chief Executive, which saw a transformation of the business and a quadrupling of profit and market capitalisation.
Commenting on his appointment, Gavin Slark said: 'We are tremendously grateful for all that Peter has done for BSS. Over the past four and a half years, he has steered the transformation of the Group and built a strong reputation and confidence for its employees and customers. The board is most grateful for his dedication and efforts.
'Going forward, we will remain firmly focused on enhancing shareholder value through sustainable and profitable growth, underpinned by the Government's continued commitment to its spending programme on health, education and social housing and the significant opportunities to develop our businesses organically.'
There are no further details to disclose under paragraph 2.F.2 (b) to (g) of the Listing Rules.
For further information, please contact:
The BSS Group PLC
Gavin Slark, Chief Executive
Roddy Murray, Finance Director
Tel: 0116 - 256 7006
Hogarth Partnership
Andrew Jaques
Rachel Hirst
Charlie Field
Tel: 020 - 7357 9477