City round-up: James Cropper; DSW

James Cropper, the Cumbrian advanced materials and paper & packaging group, said today that Steve Adams has notified the board of his intention to retire from the company, stepping down as Chief Executive and from the board, in early 2025. 

Following a rigorous search process led by the nomination committee the board revealed that David Stirling has been appointed to succeed Steve. He will join the business as Chief Executive Designate in January 2025, and will be appointed to the board as Chief Executive following a short handover period.

David was most recently Chief Executive at Zotefoams, a Main Market listed pioneer in cellular materials, a position he held for 24 years.

Under his leadership, Zotefoams developed a range of technical materials to serve a diverse global customer base and grew from a single UK site to multiple manufacturing operations across the UK, Europe, North America and Asia. 

David began his career as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG in the UK and PricewaterhouseCoopers in the USA and Europe before transitioning into industry. He brings a wealth of leadership, strategic, commercial, operational and technical experience, and is well positioned to lead the group into its next phase of growth and development, it said. 

A further announcement regarding the timing of David’s appointment to the board will be made in due course.

Mark Cropper, non-executive Chair, said: “David has a proven track record for delivering growth in materials businesses by developing new products and entering new markets across a variety of end-uses on an international scale.

“I am confident that his strong leadership and strategic outlook will harness the strength and value of our products and services across our global markets and diverse customer base.”

He added: “On behalf of the board, I would also like to thank Steve for his contribution over the last two years as Chief Executive Officer, and prior to that as Managing Director of the Paper & Packaging business.

“Steve has navigated the business during a challenging period, and leaves James Cropper repositioned for growth as an advanced materials business.”  

David Stirling said: “I am excited to join the team at James Cropper and look forward to working with the board, executive team and wider workforce to deliver value across the business portfolio of advanced materials and paper and packaging products.” 

Steve Adams said: “I have enjoyed my time at James Cropper tremendously both as Chief Executive Officer and previously with the Paper & Packaging Division over the last seven years.

“The company has made great progress, and I am delighted to hand over to David Stirling for its next stage of growth. I wish all those at James Cropper the best for the future and thank them for their considerable support during my time with the company.”

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James Dow

DSW, the mid-market, challenger professional services licence network and owner of the Dow Schofield Watts brand, has announced that Jon Schofield, non-executive director, will be retiring as a director of the company today (October 29).

Jon co-founded Dow Schofield Watts LLP in 2002 and is a long standing member of the board. The board said it extends its deepest gratitude for Jon’s invaluable contributions since the Daresbury-based company’s inception.

James Dow, Chief Executive, said: “I would like to thank Jon for joining me on this amazing adventure, which we started with Mark 22 years ago.

“Jon’s practical and commercial insight, and commitment has been key to the success of our company from a three-man start up to the present day. We wish him all the best for the future.”