Chambers quits glass giant for family reasons

NORTH West business leader Stuart Chambers, the former boss of St Helens-based Pilkington Group, is stepping down from his global role with the Japanese giant Nippon Sheet Glass.

The 52-year-old, who was named CBI North West’s 2008 Businessman of the Year, said he was resigning for family reasons.

He was one of only a handful of foreigners to lead a major Japanese company. Nippon Sheet Glass, which supplies car markers and the property sector, has operations in 30 countries.

Mr Chambers said in a press conference: “I have decided to put family first and company second.”

Previously head of Pilkington Group – which was bought by Nippon Sheet Glass in 2006 – Mr Chambers was made president and chief executive of Nippon in June 2008.

NSG chairman Yozo Izuhara said: “‘Stuart Chambers was CEO of Pilkington plc at the time of its acquisition by NSG and later COO and subsequently CEO of NSG Group.

“Now, after seven years at the top of these companies and having successfully steered through the integration of the two businesses, he has taken the decision to stand down for personal family reasons.

“The board of NSG recognise the major contribution Stuart Chambers has made during his tenure in improving the operational and financial strength of the company.

“Despite the current global economic downturn, we have made considerable progress on our strategic objectives… I take this opportunity to thank Stuart for his commitment and enthusiasm throughout the last three years in helping to create an integrated and international NSG Group.”