Boardroom changes announced at listed NW companies

Flowtech Fluidpower, the Skelmersdale-based specialist supplier of technical fluid power components and services, has announced a change in its chair, which was trailed at the end of March.

It said non-executive director and executive chairman designate, Bill Wilson, will step down as a director of the company with effect from the conclusion of the AGM on the June 10.

As a result, Roger McDowell will become non-executive chairman from August 1.

Roger will initially join the board as an independent director following the AGM before then replacing Malcolm Diamond as non-executive chairman.

From August 1, the board will be comprised of Roger McDowell (non-executive chairman), Bryce Brooks (chief executive), Russell Cash (chief financial officer), and Malcolm Diamond and Nigel Richens (non-executive directors).

It remains the company’s intention to identify a new non-executive director to join the board and discussions with a number of potential candidates have commenced.

Following this appointment Malcolm Diamond will retire from the board.

Mr Diamond said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Bill for his contribution and wish him all the best for the future.”

Meanwhile, Manchester-based industrial chain maker Renold has appointed James (Jim) Robert Haughey to its board as group finance director.

Jim, 53, is currently UK group finance director of Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, a manufacturer and global distributor of durable healthcare products.

He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1991 and has subsequently spent his career in senior finance roles across a range of industrial businesses including FKI, Bridon, Cosalt and Bodycote within line and central functions.

He was group finance director for AIM-listed Mpac Group, the global supplier of high-speed packaging and automation solutions.

Jim will replace Ian Scapens, who, as announced on November 13, 2019, resigned as the group’s finance director, and is expected to leave the business after the investor roadshow to present the 2019/2020 annual results. Jim’s start date is still to be finalised and an update will be made in due course.

Mark Harper, chairman of Renold, said: “I am delighted to welcome Jim to the group. Jim is a high-calibre appointment with a proven track record across a range of senior finance functions within global industrial businesses.”