Travis Perkins appoints new chair

Travis Perkins, the home improvement retailer, has announced the appointment of Jasmine Whitbread as its new chair.

Whitbread is set to succeed Stuart Chambers, who is stepping down as a director and non-executive chairman on 30 March 2021.

Currently the chief executive of London First, Whitbread will join the retailer on 31 March 2021.

Pete Redfern, senior independent director of Travis Perkins, said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Stuart for his outstanding leadership of the board. Stuart has expertly guided the board as it has shaped the Group’s strategy.

“He leaves Travis Perkins having ensured a strong, capable Board is in place with the skills and experience required to meet the future demands on the business.”

He added: “We are delighted to announce Jasmine’s appointment. Jasmine has over a decade of experience on the boards of large public companies for whom she has chaired key committees.

“She brings extensive leadership, third sector and commercial experience with exceptional strength in managing stakeholder relationships including with investors, governments, customers, partners and teams.”

Chambers said: “I leave Travis Perkins in a strong position notwithstanding the challenges associated with Covid which it has had to deal with during 2020. I am proud of the efforts of all our colleagues across the group and would like personally to thank them for their extraordinary commitment.

“I leave the company in very capable hands with an experienced board, well placed to oversee the execution of and continued evolution of the company’s strategy. I wish Jasmine and Travis Perkins continued future success.”

Whitbread said: “I am honoured to have been selected as the next chair of Travis Perkins. I look forward to working with Nick and the board at an important time for the company and all its stakeholders.

“The business has proved resilient and highly relevant through the pandemic and I’m excited about its future.”