Longcliffe appoint new group managing director
Viv Russell to succeed Andy Littler who retires on 1 April after five years at the helm
LONGCLIFFE have announced the appointment of Viv Russell as group managing director, with effect from 1 March 2018. He will take over from current managing director Andy Littler, who is retiring on 1 April 2018 after five years at Longcliffe and 42 years in the industry.
Mr Littler will continue as a non-executive director of the company on a three-days-per-month basis and will play an ongoing role in geological planning, lime plant developments and major BMQ capital plant plans. Mr Russell (pictured) will join Longcliffe from Tarmac where he is currently director of Lime and Powders.
Commenting on the change, Longcliffe’s chairman, Robert Shields, said: ‘During Andy’s five years, he and his team have achieved much on innovation, expansion and business improvement. Our quarries and plant are in a better and safer condition than for many years, new products are being sold and many long-term customers have been gained. Sales tonnages and profits have also increased significantly, leaving the company in good financial heart.
‘Perhaps just as important, we have made useful mineral reserve acquisitions. We have lodged long-term planning applications and gained an even higher reputation for the sensitive landscaping of our old workings and the encouragement of native flora and fauna, with two new nature reserves now successfully established.
‘I know the affection and huge respect Andy has for the people at Longcliffe and Vital Earth. His approachable style and desire to communicate at all levels have paid dividends in involving all of our staff in the business. We will miss his drive, knowledge, enthusiasm and experience.
‘In the meantime, we welcome new group managing director Viv Russell, who starts with us on 1 March for a one-month handover prior to taking over the reins. He is well qualified for the role with a wealth of local experience in limestone quarrying and powders, along with a sound commercial CV. Skills in quarry operations, personal development, safety and process improvement will be particular strengths, and I’m confident he will perform an excellent job for us.’
