Both Suzanne and Brian will join the Nominations and Audit Committees of the Board.
Suzanne Wood, a US citizen, has extensive financial, operational and public company experience. Suzanne is currently the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) for Vulcan Materials Company, the USA’s largest producer of construction aggregates, a role she has held since September 2018.
Prior to this, Suzanne was CFO of Ashtead Group plc, the FTSE 50 equipment rental company, for six years having joined the business in 2003 as CFO of Sunbelt Rentals, Ashtead’s largest operating brand based in the USA. Between 1993 and 2003 Suzanne served as CFO of two US publicly listed companies, Oakwood Homes Corporation and Tultex Corporation. Suzanne is a chartered accountant, having trained with PriceWaterhouse LLP and is also a non-executive director of RELX PLC.
Brian May, a UK citizen, is a highly experienced executive with considerable financial, operational and industry expertise having spent 27 years at Bunzl plc, the global distribution and services Group. The business generates approximately 60 per cent of its revenue in North America. Brian was CFO of Bunzl for 14 years before his retirement in late 2019.
Prior to this, he was Divisional Finance Director of Bunzl’s UK, Europe and Australasia division for nine years holding roles across Treasury and Internal Audit functions before that. A chartered accountant, qualifying with KPMG, Brian is also a non-executive director of United Utilities Group PLC and ConvaTec Group plc.
Geoff Drabble, Chairman of Ferguson plc, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Suzanne and Brian to the Board, two directors of the highest caliber. They have impressive track records of value creation and have served on Boards of international publicly-listed companies with significant operations in the US. I am in no doubt that their industry knowledge and experience in running large scale distribution businesses in the US will serve Ferguson and its shareholders exceptionally well in the future.”
With respect to Brian May there is no further information required to be disclosed pursuant to paragraph 9.6.13R of the Listing Rules. In accordance with Listing Rule 9.6.13R (1) to (6) Ms Wood has advised that Oakwood Homes Corporation, of which she was Chief Financial Officer, filed a plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code in 2002. There are no additional details to disclose under Listing Rule 9.6.13R in respect of the appointment of Ms Wood.
