Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Travis Perkins has appointed Pete Redfern as its new chief executive and Geoff Drabble as chair designate; Redfern will take on the role from September 16, when Nick Roberts steps down.
Redfern has two decades of experience across a variety of roles in the construction sector and was previously a non-executive director at the merchant for nine years and was group chief executive of construction firm Taylor Wimpey for 14 years.
Jez Maiden, interim chair, commented: “I am delighted that Pete Redfern will be joining Travis Perkins as CEO. Pete brings a combination of deep sector knowledge, operational delivery capability, commercial acumen and listed company expertise. He is focused on operational rigour and driving a performance culture, prioritising customers, quality and people. He has demonstrated his skills in managing costs, margins and cash generation, complemented by a rigorous approach to capital allocation.
“Pete joins at an important time for the Group as we focus on improving profitability and enhancing cash generation, as well as accelerating changes to our operating model to create a simpler, more efficient business. I am confident that, together with Duncan Cooper, Chief Financial Officer, the executive leadership team will accelerate the ongoing transformation of the Group and deliver strong shareholder returns.
“I would like to thank Nick Roberts for his leadership of and dedication to Travis Perkins as CEO over the last five years. Nick has led the modernisation and simplification of the Group, whilst navigating a challenging trading environment, and we wish him every success in the future.”
Redfern commented: “It is a privilege to become the next Chief Executive Officer of Travis Perkins. In addition to my time as a Non-Executive Director, I have operated as both a customer of, and a supplier to the Group and have a strong sense of its inherent potential. My initial focus will be on implementing and adding to the actions already underway to improve operational execution and increase the focus on efficiency and cash generation, whilst also starting to develop the Group’s strategy for the years ahead.
“I am looking forward to working with Geoff, Duncan and the Board, together with all colleagues across the Group, to position us for the opportunities our changing environment will offer and to drive significant value for our shareholders.”
