Last checked at 30 Apr 2019 07:00
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU) 596/2014 | |
NEWS RELEASE | www.justgroupplc.co.uk |
30 April 2019
JUST GROUP plc
DIRECTORATE CHANGE
Just Group plc ("Just" or the "Group") today announces that after 9 years with the Group, Rodney Cook has decided to step down from his role as Group Chief Executive Officer and from the Board with immediate effect in order to plan his retirement. He has agreed to continue in the Group's employment until June 30th to ensure there is a smooth transition process.
The Group will now commence a formal search for a successor, which will consider both internal and external candidates. Until such time as a successor is appointed, David Richardson, currently Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Interim Group Chief Financial Officer, will assume the role of Interim Group Chief Executive Officer*. David Richardson has significant experience and a deep understanding of the Group and its markets, having been Chief Financial Officer of Partnership Assurance Group plc ("Partnership") for three years and then, following the merger of Just Retirement Group plc ("Just Retirement") and Partnership, being appointed Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer in April 2016.
The Board's search for a permanent Group Chief Financial Officer is in process. Until a successor is named, David Richardson will retain his responsibilities as Interim Group Chief Financial Officer.
Chris Gibson-Smith, Chairman of Just Group plc said:
"I would like to thank Rodney personally and on behalf of the Board for his leadership of the Group over the last 9 years. He has led the Group through a period of significant change, including the Pension Freedom Budget, the merger and subsequent integration of Just Retirement and Partnership, and most recently during the regulatory consultation process. Rodney's leadership has transformed the Group and I wish him the very best for the future.
I would also like to express the Board's gratitude to David for stepping into the role of Interim Group CEO. Given David's extensive experience with the Group, the Board is confident that with the support of the executive management team he can manage both roles during the transitional period."
Rodney Cook said:
"It has been an honour to lead this Group over the last 9 years and I am exceptionally proud of providing our many customers with security and peace of mind in later life. Having delivered the Group's response to the prudential regulatory changes, I feel it's now the right time for me to retire from the role as CEO. Although this last year has been a challenging one, the work we have done to strengthen the balance sheet and expand margins will lead to a bright future. I have had the pleasure of working with an exceptionally talented team and have no doubt that I am leaving the Group in safe hands."
Enquiries
Investors / Analysts
James Pearce, Director of Group Finance
Telephone: +44 (0) 7715 085 099 james.pearce@wearejust.co.uk
Alistair Smith, Investor Relations Manager Telephone: +44 (0) 1737 232 792 alistair.smith@wearejust.co.uk
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Media
Stephen Lowe, Group Communications Director
Telephone: +44 (0) 1737 827 301 press.office@wearejust.co.uk
Temple Bar Advisory Alex Child-Villiers William Barker Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7002 1080 |
Notes to Editors
Rodney Cook
Rodney Cook was Chief Executive Officer of Just Retirement Group plc and its predecessors from July 2010. Upon completion of the merger with Partnership in April 2016 he was appointed CEO of Just Group plc. He previously held senior leadership positions at AMP, Zurich and Prudential plc, and is a qualified actuary.
David Richardson
David was Chief Financial Officer of Partnership from February 2013 until April 2016. Following the merger he was appointed as Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the UK Corporate Business of Just Group plc. He was also appointed interim Group Chief Financial Officer of Just Group plc in October 2018. Previously, David was Group Chief Actuary of Phoenix Group, having worked in a number of senior roles at Swiss Re from 2002 to 2010. He commenced his career at Tillinghast, is a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and is a CFA charter holder.
Remuneration Information
As required by section 430(2B) of the Companies Act 2006, details of the remuneration payments to be made to Rodney Cook are published on the Group website in the shareholder information area.
*Subject to regulatory approval
FINANCIAL CALENDAR
| DATE |
Q1 trading statement Annual General Meeting | 16 May 2019 13 June 2019 |
A copy of this announcement will be available on the Group's website www.justgroupplc.co.uk
JUST GROUP PLC
GROUP COMMUNICATIONS
Vale House, Roebuck Close
Bancroft Road, Reigate
Surrey RH2 7RU