McBride moves on to third chief executive in less than a year

Cleaning products manufacturer McBride has washed its hands of its new chief executive, who has left after seven months.

Ludwig de Mot has departed with immediate effect and has been replaced by the company’s chief financial officer Chris Smith.

Smith has been with the company since 2015, joining around the same time as previous chief executive Rik de Vos started to lead the Manchester-based business.

de Vos left last year after a second profit warning at the £700m-turnover company.

In a statement to the stock market, McBride said there had been “no material change in the trading or financial prospects of the Group” since its trading update last month when it forecast full-year pre-tax profits to be 15% above market expectations.

McBride’s chairman Jeff Nodland said: “Chris has always been dedicated and passionate about the business and the Board believe his determination and enthusiasm make him the best person to lead the company through its strategy review and beyond.”