11th Mar 2026 07:00
Speedy Hire Plc
("Speedy Hire", "the Company" or "the Group")
11 March 2026
Chief Financial Officer Succession
Speedy Hire, the UK and Ireland's leading provider of tools, specialist equipment and services, announces the appointment of Judith Cottrell to the Board as Chief Financial Officer with effect from the 1 July 2026.
As part of our review of succession planning, Paul Rayner had indicated he was considering retiring from his executive role by the end of 2026 and the Company had initiated an external selection process for a successor. Judith's selection and availability has resulted in Paul's decision and the succession process concluding more quickly than anticipated. Paul will therefore step down from the Board and as Chief Financial Officer on 1 July 2026 after delivering the results to 31 March 2026. He will remain with the Company to allow for a smooth transition of responsibilities following a thorough handover process and will support some ongoing initiatives.
Judith has extensive experience in senior financial and operational roles. Most recently as Chief Financial Officer of Ricardo Plc and previously as the Group Finance Director for RPS Group Plc, where prior to that role, she held various senior roles within RPS, including Chief Executive of RPS's UK & Ireland consulting business and Group Strategy Director. Judith is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
Dan Evans, Chief Executive commented:
"I am delighted to welcome Judith to the Board as Chief Financial Officer and at such an important time for the business as we continue to execute our strategy. Judith's experience in leading finance functions, along with her extensive knowledge of the sectors we serve, and strong overall business leadership experience make her an ideal choice for Speedy Hire.
I would also like to thank Paul for his significant contribution to Speedy Hire during his time as Chief Financial Officer. He joined the Board in July 2023 as we initiated our Velocity Strategy and has played a key part in the transformation of the business to this point. As he retires from executive life, the Board and I wish him the very best for the future."
No further information in relation to Judith is required to be disclosed under UKLR 6.4.8R.
Enquiries:
Speedy Hire Plc
Dan Evans, Chief Executive Tel: 01942 720 000
Teneo: - Giles Kenrick Tel: 020 7427 5494
Notes to Editors: Founded in 1977, Speedy Hire is the UK's leading provider of tools and equipment hire services to a wide range of customers in the construction, infrastructure, industrial, and support services markets, as well as to local trade, and retail. The Group provides complementary support services through the provision of training, asset management and compliance services. Speedy is certified nationally to ISO50001, ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO17020*, ISO27001 and ISO45001. The Group operates from 135 Service Centres and on-site locations across the UK and Ireland and through a joint venture in Kazakhstan.
*Lloyds British National Contracts only.
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