16 May 2018 07:00
Directorate Change
16 May 2018
Moss Bros Group PLC ("the Group"), the 'first choice in men's tailoring', announces that as part of its Board Succession planning, Debbie Hewitt, Chairman since 2010, intends to retire from the Board on the ninth anniversary of her appointment no later than the Company's AGM on 15 May 2019. During the next 12 months, the Board will undertake a search for her successor and ensure an effective handover. A further announcement concerning the appointment of her successor will be made in due course.
Brian Brick, CEO said:
"Debbie is a talented Chairman, who has built and led a high quality, diverse Board, with a strong sense of purpose. The Group has undergone an incredible transformation since she became Chairman in 2009 and she has played an important role in galvanising the Board through the early days of the turnaround and in providing the Board leadership to create and drive our strategic agenda. She is a proactive Chairman, who has continued to engage all stakeholders in the company's strategy throughout her tenure.
On behalf of the Board and all at Moss Bros, I would like to thank Debbie for the outstanding contribution that she has made and continues to make to the Group and for the personal support that she has given me. We are appreciative of her commitment in ensuring that the execution of our Board succession planning is done in a well-orchestrated manner, giving us plenty of time to secure and induct her successor."Debbie Hewitt, Chairman said:"I am proud to be associated with a Company which has such a long and rich history. Moss Bros is a fantastic business, full of outstanding people, who care passionately about our customers and the service they deliver. I would like to thank all of our colleagues, as well as Brian and the Board for all their support and confidence in me over the years. I remain fully committed to the future success of this business and will ensure the recruitment of a strong successor and a smooth transition."
For further information please contact:
Moss Bros Group Plc 0207 447 7200
Debbie Hewitt, Chairman
Brian Brick, CEO
Buchanan 0207 466 5000
Charles Ryland
In accordance with LR9.6.11, Moss Bros Group PLC discloses that Debbie Hewitt MBE will retire as Chairman no later than the conclusion of the Company's AGM in May 2019.
The disclosure required by section 430 (2B) of the Companies Act 2006 relating to the departure of
Debbie Hewitt from the Company is set out below.
1. Debbie Hewitt will step down from the Board no later than the close of the Company's AGM in May 2019.
2. She will be paid her fees as usual, in line with her contractual terms, until she steps down from the Board.
There will be no payment for loss of office.
Debbie Hewitt was appointed to the Moss Bros Group plc Board as a Non-Executive Director on 1st June 2009, became acting Chairman on 25 March 2010 and Non-Executive Chairman on 27 April 2010. In line with the FRC consultation on the UK Corporate Governance Code, the Board has considered the Board and Committee composition and in particular, the notable proposed change in the new Code for the treatment of the Board Chair. The new Code recognises that the Chair is no longer independent after 9 years and this will likely apply to smaller companies as the FRC requires that high standards of governance apply to them too. With this in mind, the Board believes it is important to commence the Board succession in plenty of time, to fully comply with the new Code, which will be in place from January 2019.