Woodie's and Chadwicks owner Grafton Group today named outsider Eric Born as its next chief executive officer, replacing long-serving boss Gavin Slark.
Born, 52, joins Grafton at a time when the FTSE 250-listed company is navigating increased cost pressures, particularly on the shipping and energy fronts, and decline in profits.
A Swiss national, Born has served as CEO of global aviation services provider Swissport International AG and supply chain solutions provider Wincanton.
Born will join the builders merchanting and DIY group on November 28.
"Eric Born is a very experienced CEO and business leader with a proven track record of creating shareholder value in publicly-listed and private equity-owned national and international businesses of scale in the retail, logistics and aviation services sectors," Grafton Chairman Michael Roney today.
Gavin Slark in July said he would step down on December 31 after leading the company, which operates in Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands, for 11 years.
