Bunzl chief executive Roney to retire

Bunzl’s chief executive Michael Roney has decided to retire from the company after more than 10 years in the role.

The distribution and outsourcing group said Roney will stand down from his position and the board following the conclusion of the annual general meeting on 20 April.

He will be succeeded by current managing director of the company’s Continental Europe business, Frank van Zanten, who will join the board on 1 February and assume his role upon Roney’s retirement.

Van Zanten joined the company in 1994 when Bunzl acquired his family-owned business in the Netherlands where he was general manager and he subsequently assumed responsibility for a number of businesses in other countries

In 2002 he became chief executive officer of Netherlands-based PontMeyer, before re-joining Bunzl as the managing director of the Continental Europe business area in 2005.

Chairman Philip Rogerson said: “Frank has extensive knowledge and experience of our business gained over many years and has a successful track record of implementing the company's long-standing strategy for developing and expanding the group both organically and by acquisition.

“His appointment will provide continuity for the business as well as its customers and employees going forward."