Ibstock announce CEO succession plans

Wayne Sheppard to retire next year and Joe Hudson appointed as chief executive designate

IBSTOCK, manufacturers of clay bricks and concrete products, have announced that Wayne Sheppard is to retire in 2018 after 22 years with the Group, including the last two as chief executive officer of Ibstock plc.

He will be succeeded by Joe Hudson, current managing director of Cement & Concrete Products at Aggregate Industries UK, who will join the Ibstock board on his arrival in early 2018 as chief executive designate.

Mr Sheppard will step down from the board and as CEO after a handover period, but will be available to the Group as required until the end of 2018.

Ibstock say Joe Hudson (pictured) will bring to the Group his extensive experience across the building materials and construction products industry, most recently at Aggregate Industries, the UK subsidiary of Lafarge Holcim.

Mr Hudson has held both functional and operational roles in Europe, Africa and North America, including chief executive of Lafarge Africa plc and group senior vice-president in organization and HR.

Commenting on the succession plans, Ibstock chairman Jamie Pike said: ‘Wayne has been instrumental in Ibstock’s success. As chief executive, he has led the Group through a successful IPO and delivered strong growth.

‘We are extremely grateful to Wayne for his immense contribution to Ibstock and his commitment to ensure a smooth transition. We wish him well in his eventual retirement and on behalf of the board I thank him for his efforts and significant achievements.’

Mr Pike continued: ‘I am absolutely delighted that we have managed to secure the appointment of someone of Joe’s calibre and experience. His track record of performance at Aggregate Industries and Lafarge has been outstanding, and we look forward to him leading Ibstock through the next stage of the company's development.’