1st Dec 2005 07:00
PHILIP GREEN TO SUCCEED JOHN ROBERTS AS CHIEF EXECUTIVEUnited Utilities PLC announced today that Philip Green has been appointed asits new Chief Executive with effect from 31 March 2006.Philip Green, aged 52, brings with him an impressive management record, havingled highly competitive, customer-focused, international service companies.In his most recent role, Philip Green led the container shipping company RoyalP&O Nedlloyd through its successful listing in 2004 and subsequent agreedacquisition by AP Moller-Maersk A/S earlier this year, delivering significantvalue for shareholders. Prior to that, Philip Green was a main board directorand Chief Operating Officer at the global information company Reuters Groupplc, overseeing significant restructuring, cost reduction and customer serviceimprovement. From 1990 to 1999 he was at DHL, the global market leader forcross-border express delivery, becoming Chief Operating Officer for Europe andAfrica in 1994.He is married with two grown up children and studied Economics and Politics atthe University of Wales, followed by an MBA at London Business School.Philip Green succeeds John Roberts CBE, who is retiring at the end of March2006 following six years with the company. Philip Green will take office asCEO-Designate and join the Board with effect from 20 February 2006.Sir Richard Evans, Chairman of United Utilities, said:`I am delighted that Philip Green has agreed to join United Utilities. This isthe successful conclusion to a rigorous search process from a very strong listof candidates. Philip has shown he can deliver inspirational management, stronggrowth and shareholder performance across a diverse range of highly competitivebusiness activities and I welcome him to our Board.'Sir Richard added:`I would like to take this opportunity to thank John Roberts for hisoutstanding leadership over the last six years and to wish him all the best forthe future.`John has led the company's transformation since 1999 into one of Britain's topbusinesses. His vision, commitment and drive have established a firm foundationfor our licensed multi-utility businesses, including implementing anunprecedented investment programme in the North West and transforming the waterand environmental quality in the region. At the same time he and his teamopened up new areas of growth in the support services of infrastructuremanagement and business process outsourcing. This strategy has deliveredconsiderable value for shareholders.'Philip Green said: `I am delighted to be joining United Utilities, which Iregard as one of the best managed and most exciting companies in the utilitiessector. I am committed to United Utilities' successful multi-utility strategyand to its dividend policy. I look forward to leading the company and itscommitted workforce in our drive to beat regulatory targets and to furtherenhance growth in its support services businesses.' -Ends- For further information, please contact:Evelyn Brodie, Head of Corporate and Financial Communications, UnitedUtilities, 0207 307 0309www.unitedutilities.comENDUNITED UTILITIES PLCRelated Shares:
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