Exec chairman Talbot to stand down at Johnson Service Group

DRYCLEANING chain and linen rentals business Johnson Service Group has announced the planned departure of executive chairman John Talbot.

Mr Talbot, who has been with the business, which is based in Preston Brook, Cheshire, for seven years, five in his current role, will stand down at the end of April.

His executive role is to be taken by veteran Chris Sander, who will celebrate 30 years with Johnson this year. Mr Sander, who has become chief executive, is currently managing director of the group’s Textile Rental division, a role he has held since 2008.

He also led the major restructuring of the drycleaning business as part of the combined Textile Services division in 2012. This saw around 100 poorly-performing shops closed.

The company said it is now recruiting for a non-executive chairman. On the trading outlook it said it expects to announce a full year profit before tax result in line with expectations.  

Net debt is expected to have reduced to below £25m at the end of December 2013.

Johnson said it would announce its full year results during the week commencing March 3.