Johnson Matthey Share News (JMAT)

FTSE 100-listed speciality chemicals company Johnson Matthey has appointed John Walker as an Executive Director of the company with effect from October 9th 2013.He will succeed Bill Sandford who is to retire as an Executive Director of the company on October 9th 2013. Walker, who has worked at Johnson Matthey since 1984, held senior management positions within Emission Control Technologies (ECT) in the USA, Asia and Europe before becoming Division Director, ECT in 2009. The group said that he would have board level responsibility for ECT.Tim Stevenson, Chairman of Johnson Matthey, said: "On behalf of all of us at Johnson Matthey, I would like to thank Bill for his great contribution to the company over many years and wish him all the very best for his retirement. Bill has made a wide ranging and consistently strong contribution to Johnson Matthey's business over many years. His wise counsel and depth of experience of our business will be greatly missed at the board." He added: "We are delighted to welcome John Walker as an executive director to the board of Johnson Matthey. John has a wealth of experience and knowledge of our Emission Control Technologies business. I look forward to his contribution to the work of the board."Johnson Matthey's share price was down 0.69% to 2,585p at 14:19 on Wednesday.MF