Portmeirion appoints new group finance director

Homeware brand owner and retailer Portmeirion Group announced the appointment of Jonathan Hill as its new group finance director on Friday, effective from 1 October.

The AIM-traded firm said Hill, a qualified Chartered Accountant, would bring more than 20 years of finance and leadership experience across various sectors, having worked internationally in regions including the UK, Europe, the US and Asia.

It said his experience included roles with prominent consumer goods brands including Umbro, part of Nike, as well as manufacturing expertise at Ideal Standard and Cormar Carpets.

Pending the completion of regulatory checks, Hill was expected to join the board, with further updates to follow.

The appointment followed the departure of David Sproston, who had served as group finance director for five years and spent 16 years with the company.

Portmeirion said Sproston was instrumental in guiding the group through multiple acquisitions, the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, and a successful investor fundraising programme.

He would formally step down from the board on 30 September, but would assist with the transition until 31 December to ensure a smooth handover.

“We would like to thank David for his valuable contribution to the group and wish him well in the next stage of his career,” said non-executive chairman Dick Steele.

“He has played an important role in the group's significant progress and growth over the last 16 years.

“We welcome Jonathan to our business and are excited about the wealth of experience he brings from working across international markets - a key part of our long term growth strategy.”

At 1015 BST, shares in Portmeirion Group were down 1.5% at 230p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.