Ex-Aviva boss Harvey to take chair at PZ Cussons
NORTH West personal care and household products group PZ Cussons has lured the former boss of insurance giant Aviva as its chairman elect.
Richard Harvey, who served as chief executive of Norwich Union – which became Aviva – in 1998 until retiring in 2007, will join the Stockport company on January 1 before becoming chairman in July.
He will replace executive Anthony Green – who has been on the baord since 1990 – and who is retiring. Deputy chairman Graham Calder, the company’s former finance director, will retire at the end of March, PZ Cussons added.
Since retiring from Aviva two years ago, Mr Harvey has spent time in Africa supporting charitable initiatives to improve the daily lives of people in some of the world’s poorest communities working with the development charity, Concern Universal.
He has also worked on other projects to accelerate business development in Africa, including work for the Africa Progress Panel and the World Bank.
Anthony Green said: “The board is delighted to announce Richard Harvey’s appointment. Richard was one of the longest-serving chief executives in the FTSE100 and he brings to the board a wealth of experience and a proven track record in achieving profitable growth.
“He also has a deep personal interest in Africa, our largest market. I very much look forward to working with Richard in the period of transition leading up to my retirement.”
Richard Harvey said: “I am delighted to be joining the board of PZ Cussons. I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues on the board and to helping to lead the company into what is clearly an exciting future.”
Derek Lewis, senior Independent director added:”The board wishes to express its thanks to both Anthony Green and Graham Calder for the enormous contribution which each has made to PZ Cussons over many years and which they will continue over the coming months.
“The business is in excellent shape and, in Richard Harvey, we have found an outstanding candidate to take over from Anthony as chairman.”
