10th Oct 2014 06:40
LONDON (Alliance News) - Croda International PLC Friday said it had poached Jez Maiden from transport operator National Express Group PLC to be its finance director, replacing Sean Christie who announced in June that he would step down from the role in 2015 after nine years.
In a statement, the specialty chemicals producer said Christie will leave at the end of April next year.
Maiden has been finance director at National Express since 2008, and prior to that was finance chief for Northern Foods and specialty chemical companies British Vita and Hickson International. He has also served since 2007 as a non-executive director of Synthomer PLC, the FTSE 250 specialty chemical company.
"He has an exceptional track record as a Group Finance Director and has had extensive experience working across the speciality chemical sector," Croda Chairman Martin Flower said in a statement.
National Express confirmed Maiden's departure, saying he had agreed to remain for the time being to ensure an orderly handover. It has started looking for a replacement and said it will consider internal as well as external candidates.
The company added that it has appointed Matthew Ashley, currently finance director of its UK bus business and formerly group financial controller, as interim group finance director and he will work alongside Maiden over the coming months as part of the handover.
"We understand the reasons behind his decision and wish him every success in the future," National Express Chief Executive Dean Finch said in a statement.
"I have had a hugely enjoyable and rewarding time at National Express and will be sad to leave. I am looking forward to my new opportunity at Croda, in an industry where I began my plc career, and am confident National Express will continue to go from strength to strength," Maiden said.
By Steve McGrath; [email protected]; @stevemcgrath1
Copyright 2014 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Related Shares:
NEX.LCroda International