Avon Protection PLC (LSE:AVON) said it has appointed Jos Sclater as its chief executive, effective from January 16, 2022, following an in-depth process led by its executive chair Bruce Thompson.
Sclater joins Avon having spent the last three years as chief financial officer at Ultra Electronics PLC, where he led a broad-based transformation programme that focused on improving growth and efficiency. He also had group-wide responsibility for the finance, treasury, IT, procurement, transformation, continuous improvement and risk functions, as well as direct oversight of Ultra's technology and energy businesses.
Sclater began his career as a qualified solicitor and held in-house legal and M&A roles at ICI PLC, Akzo Nobel NV and GKN PLC.
In a statement, Thompson commented: “He brings a wealth of experience in leadership roles and an impressive track record of value creation within global manufacturing businesses.
“His expertise in a range of disciplines and deep experience in the international defence industry make him a standout choice to lead Avon Protection as chief executive officer."
Thompson will remain in the role of executive chair until Sclater starts in January, before returning to his previous role as non-executive chair.
Sclater commented: "Avon Protection is a business with a proud history and an exciting future, and I am delighted to have been asked to take the Chief Executive Officer role. The Group has unique technologies with global market-leading positions in respiratory and head protection markets. I am excited by its growth potential, and I very much look forward to leading the next stage of its development."
Avon shares were changing hands 1.9% higher at 1,042.0p on Monday morning following the news.