Rolls-Royce names new chair
Rolls-Royce has appointed Anita Frew as a non-executive director and chair designate.
Frew will join the board from 1 July and will succeed Sir Ian Davis as chair on 1 October . Davis will retire from the Board on 30 September 2021, after nearly nine years as chairman.
Rolls-Royce has also appointed Mike Manley as a non-executive director.
Frew is currently chair of Croda, the science, technology and chemicals group and a non-executive director of BHP Group, a global resources company. Until recently she was the deputy chairman and senior independent director of Lloyds Banking Group and has also held chair and board roles in companies in industrial, engineering and utilities sectors.
Sir Kevin Smith, senior independent director, said: “Anita is the unanimous and clear choice of the Nominations & Governance Committee and her proposed appointment has been warmly endorsed by the entire Board.
“The company conducted a comprehensive search and Anita emerged as the outstanding candidate. She brings a wealth of experience from two decades of Board appointments both in the UK and internationally and her skills, and reputation with investors and government institutions will be invaluable to the group. I am delighted to welcome Anita to the Board and as chair designate.
“On behalf of the board I would like to thank Ian for his outstanding contribution as Chairman over almost nine years of service. His leadership, guidance and resilience has been integral to the group’s progress and ongoing transformation. He has brought the Board much closer to the employees and will be missed by people at all levels of the organisation. Ian has been an exceptional ambassador for Rolls-Royce.”
Davis said: “Rolls-Royce is a pioneering company with tremendous potential and it has been a huge privilege and responsibility to be its chairman. I am immensely grateful to my fellow Board members for their support and hard work during my tenure as chairman. I wish Anita every success as she joins the Board at a very exciting time for Rolls-Royce as we deliver a more sustainable agenda.”
Frew: “It is an honour and privilege to join the board of Rolls-Royce and to succeed Sir Ian as chairman. I look forward to working with the board, Warren East and the leadership team to support the next stage of the group’s development.”
Warren East, CEO, said: “I would like to thank Ian for his steadfast leadership, guidance and unwavering support during a crucial period for the group, both strategically and operationally. Ian has played a key role in contributing to Rolls-Royce’s future and on behalf of the executive team and all our employees, I would like to wish him well for the future. I am delighted to welcome Anita to Rolls-Royce, with her extensive experience and leadership I look forward to working with her.”
