SIG appoints Grafton boss Gavin Slark as CEO

Insulation and roofing supplier SIG said on Thursday that Grafton boss Gavin Slark will succeed Steve Francis as chief executive on 1 February 2023.

Francis will be employed by SIG until 8 March and has agreed to remain available as a consultant until 30 April to complete an orderly handover to Slark.

SIG noted that Slark has a long track record of success in the pan-European construction distribution industry, having been CEO of Grafton for 11 years. Prior to that, he held a number of roles with BSS, including as CEO from 2006 to 2011.

Chairman Andrew Allner said: "Steve joined SIG in February 2020 at a time of huge uncertainty for the company. It is to his tremendous credit that Steve not only steadied the ship but went on to lead SIG out of turnaround and delivered a return to growth.

"It has been a pleasure to work with Steve, including in the decisions regarding the timing of this leadership transition. The board wishes to publicly recognise Steve's significant contribution to SIG and to record its thanks to him.

"Gavin's proven track-record of delivering shareholder value in our industry made him the stand-out candidate to succeed Steve, and the board is delighted that he will be joining us as CEO early next year. We look forward to working with him to continue SIG's growth and development."