25th Jan 2005 09:00
Wolseley PLC25 January 2005 Wolseley plc Board changes Wolseley plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing andheating products and a leading supplier of building materials to professionalcontractors, announces that Mr Gerard Legtmann left the Company on 24 January2005 to pursue alternative opportunities. Mr Legtmann was appointed as ChiefExecutive Officer for Europe in August 2003 and has overseen the creation of theinfrastructure for an integrated Wolseley European business. At the same time Mr Robert Marchbank has been appointed to succeed Mr Legtmannas Chief Executive Officer for Europe and as a director of the Company. He iscurrently the Director of Information and Processes for the Wolseley Group. Robert Marchbank, aged 44, is an American citizen. He joined Ferguson,Wolseley's US plumbing and heating business, in 1982. During his period withFerguson he undertook a number of strategic and operational roles. In 2001 hemoved to the UK to join the newly created Wolseley Group headquarters asDirector of Strategic Planning. In this role and in his current position, he hasplayed a key part in developing and implementing the Group's strategy and ITplatform. Charlie Banks, Chief Executive Officer of Wolseley said "I am delighted with RobMarchbank's appointment. Rob has made a significant impact on Ferguson's and theGroup's success over the past 20 years and I am sure he will bring all of thatexperience to bear in his new role." John Whybrow, Chairman of Wolseley said "I am delighted that we are able to makethis senior appointment from within the organisation and Rob will bring a numberof additional skills to the Wolseley Board. I would like to thank Gerard for hiscontribution and we wish him well in the future." There are no matters relating to Mr Marchbank which would require disclosureunder paragraph 6.F.2(b) to (g) of the Listing Rules. Further information: Wolseley plc 0118 929 8700Guy StainerHead of Investor Relations Mark WhiteGroup Company Secretary & Counsel Brunswick Andrew Fenwick 020 7404 5959 Notes to Editors Wolseley plc is the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing andheating products and a leading supplier of building materials to professionalcontractors in North America, the UK and Continental Europe. Group sales for theyear ended 31 July 2004 were approximately £10.1 billion and operating profit,before goodwill, was £619 million. Wolseley has around 51,500 employeesoperating in 13 countries namely: UK, USA, France, Canada, Ireland, Italy, TheNetherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg andDenmark. Wolseley is listed on the London and New York Stock Exchanges (LSE:WOS.L, NYSE: WOS) and is in the FTSE 100 index of listed companies. - ENDS - This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
Ferguson