Chief financial officer appointed at NW transport to energy group

Stobart Group has appointed a new chief financial officer.

Lewis Girdwood takes up the role, as well as that of executive director, with immediate effect.

He replaces Richard Laycock, who announced he was stepping down as chief financial officer and executive director on the eve of the group’s acrimonious annual meeting last July when former CEO Andrew Tinkler tried unsuccessfully to remove chairman Iain Ferguson.

In the meantime, Michael Williamson had served as interim chief financial officer.

Since 2017 Mr Girdwood has served as chief financial officer to IAG Cargo, which provides global cargo services to British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and other IAG airlines.

Prior to that he was head of financial planning and analysis at easyJet, responsible for financial business partnering across the airline.

Lewis has also held senior finance roles at Premier Foods, British Bakeries and Racal Electronics Group International.

Warwick Brady, Stobart Group chief executive said: “I am delighted that Lewis is joining Stobart Group. He will bring a wealth of relevant experience as we continue to implement our ambitious growth plans and provide the framework to deliver the company’s strategy.

“I also want to thank Michael Williamson for his support over the last six months, during which time we have reported growth in our operating divisions, secured new debt facilities and successfully bid for the assets of Flybe.”