Findel chief executive to step down

HOME shopping and education supplies group Findel today announced that chief executive Patrick Jolly is stepping down.

Mr Jolly will be replaced by Philip Maudsley, who has been with the Burley-in-Wharfedale-based company for 20 years and been chief operating officer for the last six years.

Chairman Keith Chapman said that following Findel’s recent £81m fundraising and refinancing, it was a “natural time” for Mr Jolly, 42, an experienced corporate finance lawyer, to pursue other interests.

Mr Jolly, who joined Findel as a non-executive director in 2001 and became chief executive in May 2006, will leave at the end of its current financial year in April.

In a statement Findel said: “Patrick joined us at a time of expansion and his experience in corporate finance and M&A has helped the group greatly over the last five years. Following the successful fundraising and refinancing of our syndicated facilities, the strategic focus of the Group is on stability, efficiency and cash generation from our existing operations.”

Mr Maudsley was managing director of Findel’s home shopping division for more than 10 years. He joined the group in 1987 as general manager of a manufacturing subsidiary,  became managing director of the home dhopping division in 1994 and was appointed to the board in 2004 and later than year became group managing director before promotion to chief operating officer in May 2006.

Mr Chapman, chairman said: “I would like to thank Patrick for his contribution to the Group. Following the fundraising and refinancing it is a natural time for him to pursue other interests. The board wishes him all the best for the future.

“Philip knows the group intimately and his skills and the current requirement, to run the business with a clear focus on cash generation and streamlining our core activities, are a perfect match.”

“I have had an excellent working relationship with Philip over many years and as chairman will remain available to help and support him maximise value for shareholders”.

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