Stobart appoints interim finance chief after boardroom row

(Sharecast News) - Stobart Group has appointed an interim finance chief and two directors as the infrastructure group seeks to rebuild its board after a bitter bust-up. Michael Williamson will become interim chief financial officer on 10 September, replacing Richard Laycock who left the FTSE 250 company in July. Williamson, who had been standing in as CFO at Gama Aviation, will not join the board.Nick Dilworth, currently group commercial director, will join the board as chief operating officer on 1 September. Stobart has also recruited Ginny Pulbrook, who will become a non-executive director on 1 October.The owner of Southend airport has been looking to rebuild its board after a dispute in which former chief executive tried to depose chairman Iain Ferguson, triggering legal accusations from both sides. The dispute highlighted wider issues with Stobart's governance.Pulbrook works at Camarco, a public relations firm, and spent 26 years at rival communications adviser Citigate Dewe Rogerson, which she co-founded. Stobart had been criticised by the Investment Association for not having a woman on its board.Ferguson said: "We have moved quickly to strengthen the board. Nick has already supported the commercial progress of the Company through his work with the leadership teams of our operating divisions. Ginny will add further commercial insight as well as bringing significant experience of providing strategic advice to the Boards of some of the UK's largest companies. Michael, who has considerable PLC experience, will oversee the Group's finance function."The company is still looking for a new non-executive chairman, a senior independent director and at least one more non-executive director.