Directorate Change - Appointment of Chief Executive

PREMIER FARNELL PLC - Directorate Change - Appointment of Chief Executive

PR Newswire

London, March 7

Directorate Change

Appointment of Chief Executive

The Board of Premier Farnell plc ("Premier Farnell" or the "Company") announces the appointment of Jos Opdeweegh as Chief Executive with effect from 11 April 2016.

Jos was, until recently, Chief Executive of Neovia Logistics, where he led the carve out from Caterpillar, and for the last 16 years has worked in senior leadership positions in a number of industrial sectors in North America, including as CEO of Americold Realty Trust and of Syncreon (formerly TDS Logistics). He is currently a non-executive director of Aplicor, Inc., a US business involved in developing and supplying ERM, CRM and eCommerce software solutions, and was previously a non-executive director of Interline Brands, a leading distributor of maintenance and repair products.

Mark Whiteling, Interim Chief Executive, will assume the role of Deputy Chief Executive, with continuing oversight of the Finance function, starting 11 April 2016. Helen Willis will continue as Interim Chief Financial Officer until a permanent CFO is appointed and she has been invited to consider applying for the role.

Val Gooding, Chairman of Premier Farnell, said:

“Following an extensive global search, we are delighted to appoint Jos as Chief Executive of Premier Farnell. His international experience and achievements in enhancing value for shareholders in a number of different businesses provide a strong platform for the next stage of Premier Farnell’s development.”

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Mark Whiteling for the excellent job he has done in guiding the Company as Interim Chief Executive, during which time we have completed an operational review, announced the sale of Akron Brass and strengthened the senior executive team. I am pleased that Mark will assume the role of Deputy Chief Executive, providing continuity for the Company and strong support for Jos.”

Premier Farnell will announce its full year results for the year ended 31 January 2016 on 17 March 2016.

There are no disclosures required in respect of Jos Opdeweegh under paragraph 9.6.13 of the FCA's Listing Rules.

Contacts:

FTI Consulting +44 (0) 20 3727 1374

Richard Mountain