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[June 2003]
Hanson Announces Changes to Operational Management Team
In line with its objective of simplifying Hanson's reporting structure and making the group responsive to market conditions, the board of Hanson PLC has announced changes to the management of some of its principal operating units.
As a result of this reorganisation, Hanson Building Materials Europe (HBME) will cease to exist and Simon Vivian, Chief Executive of HBME, will step down from the Hanson PLC board at the end of June 2003. Business units within the former HBME will report directly to group head office. Christopher Collins, Chairman, said: "On behalf of the whole board, I would like to thank Simon for his great contribution to Hanson over the years. We wish him well for the future".
With regard to other changes, in North America Jim Kitzmiller, former head of Hanson Pipe & Products, is to lead a new division which combines the three regional aggregates businesses. In addition, Richard Manning will assume responsibility for a new building products division, which joins Pipe & Products with his former responsibility, Brick & Tile.
In London, Patrick O'Shea will combine his responsibility for Hanson Pacific with leadership of Hanson's continental European and sea-dredged aggregates operations.
In addition to the above, Mike Ogden (UK Aggregates), David Szymanski (UK Building Products) and Leslie Cadzow (Australia) will be the other direct operational reports of Alan Murray, Chief Executive of Hanson PLC.
Hanson commented that the executives above have an average of over 20 years of Hanson and sector knowledge, illustrating the depth of management experience that exists within the group.
Speaking about the changes, Alan Murray said: "Whilst this announcement does not indicate any change in our overall strategy, it does reinforce a continued focus on our core values of cost and margin control, together with disciplined and proactive growth via capex and bolt-on acquisitions. With my colleagues, I look forward to continuing to develop and improve the business".
ENDS