17th Mar 2020 09:06
(Alliance News) - British Gas owner Centrica PLC on Tuesday said Chair Charles Berry has tendered his resignation with immediate effect.
He has been on medical leave since February 12, and Centrica said his decision follows advice from doctors to reduce his workload.
Berry also serves as chair of the board of engineering company Weir Group PLC, which currently anticipates welcoming him back within the next "few weeks".
As previously reported, in Berry's absence, his responsibilities are being fulfilled by Weir Senior Independent Director Barbara Jeremiah.
Meanwhile, Centrica confirmed the appointment of Scott Wheway as its chair, effective immediately. Wheway has been a non-executive director of Centrica since 2016 and acting chairman since February 12.
"I'm acutely aware that I'm taking this role at a time when we need to navigate our way through the current volatility caused by the impact of Coronavirus," said Wheway. "As a business we remain focussed on structural simplification, improving our efficiency and delivering growth in our customer facing businesses."
In addition, the FTSE 100-listed electricity & gas supplier said Iain Conn will step down as chief executive and from the board, with immediate effect. He will be temporarily replaced by Chris O'Shea, currently chief financial officer, who will become interim CEO, while the search for a permanent CEO continues.
Conn's departure was announced back at the end of July 2019 - having served as CEO since 2014 - amid the company's preparations to move into a "new phase" following the proposed sale of its non-customer facing units.
Centrica shares were trading 5.3% lower in London on Tuesday morning at 40.08 pence each, while Weir shares were down 4.8% at 767.80p each.
By Evelina Grecenko; [email protected]
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