Spectris hopes for uplift after tapping Andrew Heath for CEO role

A day earlier the FTSE 250 resident flagged up slowing sales growth and told investors very little about the future of its Project Uplift programme, which the firm said was on track for £3m of net gains in the current financial year but disappointed investors and analysts by failing to publish hoped-for details of the plan's next stage.

Heath will now have the chance to have some input on that strategic shift as he takes up the CEO designate role on 3 September.

Back in May, Spectris announced that longtime chief executive John O'Higgins had informed the board of his intention to retire. He will work closely with his replacement during September to ensure a smooth transition.

Andrew comes to Spectris with "proven experience" in technology-enabled businesses from Imagination Technologies and Alent.

Chairman Mark Williamson said, "Andrew has broad experience in the technology and engineering sectors where he has successfully developed and executed strategies across a diverse range of industries. The board has great confidence in Andrew's ability to lead Spectris in the next phase of its journey and deliver on its strategy."

As of 0840 BST, Spectris shares had picked up 0.88% to 2,291p.