BARONESS Ford of Cunninghame, Margaret Ford, is to be the new chair of STV Group plc, which operates STV, following news today that present incumbent, Richard Findlay, has signalled his intention to retire from the post.
Findlay will bring six years in the post to an end on August 31 while Ford will join the board on the first of next month, as a non-executive director, before then being made non-executive chair.
Says a STV media release: “Margaret Ford has over 20 years experience as a non-executive director and chair of private and listed companies and extensive experience of working with Government. She is currently chair of AIM-listed May Gurney Integrated Services plc, chair of Barchester Healthcare Limited, the private healthcare provider, and is a non-executive director of Taylor Wimpey plc, Segro plc and Grainger plc. From 2009 to 2012, she was a member of the Olympic Board and chair of the Olympic Park Legacy Company. She was appointed to the House of Lords in 2006 and sits as an Independent Peer.”
The release quotes the company’s chief executive, Rob Woodward, as saying: “On behalf of the board, employees and shareholders I would like to thank Richard for his exemplary leadership, insight and wise counsel. Under his stewardship, the future prospects of the company have been transformed as he has steered the business through challenging times and successfully overseen the implementation of a growth strategy designed to deliver shareholder value. I am looking forward to working with Baroness Ford in delivering the next stage of STV’s growth strategy.”
And Findlay is quoted, as saying: “Significant progress has been made in transforming STV into a profitable growth company with a strong balance sheet and a clear strategy to create value. I should like to thank the board and shareholders for their support during my tenure as chair. The focus is now on execution of the growth strategy and I am confident that, led by Margaret Ford, the strong board and capable and motivated management and staff team at STV will continue to fulfil the exciting potential of the company.”
