Victoria appoints Philippe Hamers as CEO

Flooring manufacturer Victoria appointed industry veteran Philippe Hamers as chief executive and a director of the board, effective from 20 March.

Hamers, who has over 25 years experience in the flooring industry, previously headed Europe's largest carpet manufacturing operation at Balta Group and worked in the tufted and woven division of Beaulieu International Group.

He holds a Masters in business economics from the University of Antwerp and an advanced management degree from Vlerick Business School in Belgium.

Chairman Geoff Wilding, said: "Philippe joins Victoria at an exciting time of its development as we continue to prosper both in the UK and Australia. His international expertise and industry contacts will prove beneficial as we execute our advanced plans to expand into the growing €5bn European flooring market. "

Wilding added that Hamers’ experience will be “invaluable” as the company continues to drive profit improvements while maintaining its acquisition-led growth objectives in 2017 and beyond.

Shares in Victoria were up 0.43% to 349p at 0906 GMT.