Construction industry supplier Travis Perkins plc has announced the appointment of Geoff Drabble as a non-executive director and chair designate with effect from 1 October 2024. He will take up the position of chair “as soon as his capacity allows”, the company said.

Drabble brings experience—gained from both executive and non-executive roles—in publicly listed businesses across the building materials distribution, equipment hire and tools markets.

Currently chair of Ferguson plc, a building materials distribution business listed in New York and London, Drabble is also chair of DS Smith Plc, the international packaging company.

From 2015 to 2023, Drabble was a non-executive director of Howden Joinery Group plc, serving latterly as its senior independent director.

In his executive career, Drabble was Group CEO of global equipment hire company Ashtead Group plc, from 2006 to 2019, having previously held senior executive positions in Laird Group plc and Black and Decker Corp.

‘Deep and relevant skill set’

Jez Maiden, interim chair, commented: “Geoff brings a deep and relevant skill set to the board, particularly with respect to building materials distribution and equipment hire. He has been successful at the most senior executive and non-executive levels, and I am pleased that he is joining us as a non-executive director and chair (designate).

“With Pete Redfern announced as our new chief executive officer and Duncan Cooper recently joining as chief financial officer, we have a strong and experienced Board and leadership team to drive value for all our stakeholders.”

Redfern’s appointment as CEO takes effect from 16 September 2024. He is not new to Travis Perkins, having served a nine-year stint as a non-executive director. His other experience includes 14 years as group CEO of Taylor Wimpey plc until 2022.

Jez Maiden thanked outgoing CEO Nick Roberts and said Redfern “brings a combination of deep sector knowledge, operational delivery capability, commercial acumen and listed company expertise.”