Keller shuffles board as Hind appointed finance director

Independent geotechnical solutions specialist Keller Group on Wednesday appointed James Hind, current group finance director, to succeed John Rubright as divisional president for North America.

The FTSE 250 company said Hind, who will step into the role on 20 August, has 12 years’ experience in the engineering sector and extensive financial and strategic management experience from working at Coopers & Lybrand and DS Smith plc.

Eric Drooff, current president of the company’s largest business unit Hayward Baker, will also work under Hind as chief operating officer and become a member of the executive committee.

Keller chief executive Alain Michaelis said: “Throughout his 15 years as group finance director, James has been closely involved in our North American business success and I am confident he and Eric will form an excellent team that will further strengthen our position in this key market.”

Hind will be succeeded in his own role as group finance director, which he held since 2003, by Michael Speakman, who will also become a member of the board and executive committee.

Speakman has previously held senior financial roles at Cape plc, Expro plc, Smiths Group PLC and TI Group PLC.

“Michael brings a wealth of global experience gained at listed global engineering companies and a great set of complementary skills and capability that will serve the company well in the years ahead,” said Michaelis.

Keller Group’s shares were up 0.56% at 1,086.00p at 0930 BST.