More upheaval at Hampson as chairman quits
HAMPSON Industries has announced more board upheaval with the departure of non-executive chairman Chris Geoghegan.
Mr Geoghegan, who has been chairman since December 2007, is being replaced by former chairman and chief executive of Spectris, John Poulter. The appointment is with immediate effect.
Mr Geoghegan’s departure comes at the end of a very difficult year for the business following the loss of a high profile legal action to Midland entrepreneur David Grove and a group restructure which has seen the £50m sell-off of a its shims businesses .
The announcement also follows the departure last year of former chief executive Kim Ward – who was heavily criticised in the Grove court action – and that of former finance director Howard Kimberley, who left the Black Country-based business in June.
In addition to his role at Spectris, Mr Poulter has also served has served on the boards of a number of public and private companies during his career, recently as chairman of Filtronic plc, while he is currently chairman of 4imprint Group plc.
Mr Geoghegan said: “Having appointed a new senior team at Hampson and with plans in place to complete the restructuring of the business portfolio, I feel the time is right for a new chairman who will help steer Hampson through the next phase of its development. I wish John and the management team every success for the future.”
Norman Jordan, chief executive of Hampson, said: “We are delighted that John is joining the board as non-executive chairman. He brings with him extensive experience of international business and we look forward to utilising his expertise and guidance.
“On behalf of the board I would like to thank Chris for his contribution and support and wish him all the best for the future.”
Mr Poulter added: “I am delighted to be invited to become chairman of Hampson and look forward to working with the board and the executive team to realise the potential of the group’s businesses.”
