Travis Perkins has named its next Chief Financial Officer, with Alan Williams set to retire as CFO and step down from the Board in 2024, after seven years in the role.
Duncan Cooper, currently group finance director at Crest Nicholson and an executive director of Crest Nicholson Holdings plc, has been chosen to succeed Alan.
Prior to his role at Crest Nicholson, Duncan, a Chartered Accountant, spent eight years in roles at Sainsbury’s including head of investor relations, finance director – food and director of group finance.
Nick Roberts, CEO of Travis Perkins plc, said: “I’m hugely appreciative of the expertise Alan has brought to the group and the support he has given me and the wider leadership team.
“He has been instrumental in leading us through a period of significant change including the successful sale of the Plumbing and Heating businesses and the demerger of Wickes as part of our strategy of focusing on the trade, as well as shaping our culture and our strategy to become the leading partner to the construction industry.
“We all wish Alan well in his forthcoming retirement in 2024.
“I’m thrilled that the Board has decided to appoint Duncan to succeed Alan as CFO. He brings an ambitious drive with a strong track record of performance focus and rich cross-sector experience having held senior leadership roles at Crest Nicholson and Sainsbury’s. I’m looking forward to him joining the Board and the leadership team.”
Jasmine Whitbread, chair of Travis Perkins, said: “I’d like to thank Alan for his significant contribution to the group over the last seven years, and wish him well in his retirement. Alan has been instrumental in driving the group’s strong relationship with our shareholders and supporting the significant shift in strategic focus for the group.
“I’m delighted that following a thorough and considered process we have been able to attract a candidate of Duncan’s calibre as our next CFO.
“His blend of experience with Sainsbury’s and in the construction industry with Crest Nicholson will enable him to apply his industry knowledge, broad business and strategic acumen and strong leadership to the ambitious agenda we have for the group. The Board and I are very much looking forward to working with him.”
Duncan Cooper said: “I’m excited to be joining Travis Perkins plc in 2024, a market leading business with an exciting and ambitious strategy to be the leading partner to the construction industry.
“The industry is going through a period of significant change, underpinned by requirements for more sustainable, energy efficient buildings and I am looking forward to working with Nick, Jasmine and the Board to help shape the next phase of the company’s evolution.”
