Stobart unveils new Chairman as Baker-Bates retires

21st Jan 2013 07:13

The non-Executive Chairman of Stobart Group, the UK-based support services firm, has announced his plans to retire with immediate effect. Rodney Baker-Bates, who has held the role since September 2007, will remain on the board until March. Deputy Chief Executive Avril Palmer-Baunack, who took up the role following the group's acquisition of Autologic last year, has now been appointed as Executive Chairman will immediate effect. Andrew Tinkler the Chief Executive Officer said: "Rodney has been an outstanding Chairman through a period of significant change and development for the group. As a highly experienced public company Chairman he has served with great steadiness and distinction. "To meet the challenges and opportunities within our strategy the board now believes it is appropriate that Stobart is headed by an Executive Chairman. In the relatively short time that she has been with the group, Avril has demonstrated to the board that she is the right person to carry out this demanding role. "We look forward to supporting her leadership and I personally look forward to continuing to work with Avril to deliver the inherent value of our business."NR