Last updated at 12:17, Monday, 21 January 2013

Stobart Group’s chairman is stepping down, it was announced today.

Non-executive chairman Rodney Baker-Bates has announced his plans to retire with immediate effect and will remain on the board until March.

Deputy chief executive Avril Palmer-Baunack, who took up the role following the group’s acquisition of Autologic last year, has been appointed as executive chairman with immediate effect.

Group chief executive Andrew Tinkler said: “Rodney has been an outstanding chairman through a period of significant change and development for the group. He has served with great steadiness and distinction.

“To meet the challenges and opportunities within our strategy, the board now believes it is appropriate that Stobart is headed by an executive chairman,” he added.

“In the relatively short time that she has been with the group, Avril has demonstrated to the board that she is the right person to carry out this demanding role.”

First published at 11:49, Monday, 21 January 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk