Forterra announce appointment of CEO designate

Neil Ash to succeed Stephen Harrison as chief executive officer in second quarter of 2023

THE board of Forterra plc has announced that Neil Ash will become chief executive officer designate on 3 April 2023. His appointment follows the announcement on 24 May 2022 that Stephen Harrison will be stepping down as chief executive officer during the first half of 2023, allowing time both to commission the company’s new Desford brick factory and support an orderly transition.

Mr Ash (pictured) has almost three decades’ experience in the building materials sector and an impressive track record of improving performance and delivering growth. Currently at Etex, the Belgian lightweight building materials manufacturer, he leads the Building Performance division – a €2 billion revenue business. During his time at Etex, Mr Ash has overseen major capex projects, significant acquisitions, and developed the company’s sales approach, which has delivered strong top-line growth.

His previous experience includes 15 years at Lafarge, where he undertook many roles, including vice-president of international business development and sales, as well as commercial director - UK & Ireland at Lafarge Plasterboard.

Forterra’s chairman, Justin Atkinson, commented: ‘We are very pleased to appoint Neil as the next CEO. His business leadership and extensive building materials sector knowledge will be invaluable to Forterra in the next stages of our development, and the board looks forward to working with him.

‘The board and I are grateful to Stephen Harrison for the significant contribution he has made to the business during his tenure as CEO. We wish him all the best for the future after he leaves Forterra in the second quarter of 2023.’