Travis Perkins Appoints Gavin Slark as New Chief Executive
In a significant move, the board of Travis Perkins has announced the appointment of Gavin Slark as its new chief executive, effective no later than 1st January 2026. Slark, currently chief executive of SIG plc, brings with him a wealth of experience in the construction sector, having previously served as chief executive of Grafton Group and plumbers’ merchant BSS Group.
According to The Construction Index, Slark’s appointment comes after Pete Redfern stepped down from the Travis Perkins board in March, citing ill-health. Redfern, the former Taylor Wimpey chief executive, had been in post for just six months. The board has clearly opted for someone with substantial experience in the sector, and Slark’s credentials are impressive. With 60 years of age, Slark has a long pedigree as a CEO of significant public companies.
As reported by The Construction Index, Slark’s background includes serving as chief executive of BSS Group from 2006 to 2011, prior to its acquisition by Travis Perkins. He then went on to lead Grafton Group as chief executive from 2011 to the end of 2022, before taking the helm at SIG plc in 2023. His experience in the sector will undoubtedly be an asset to Travis Perkins.
Travis Perkins chair Geoff Drabble expressed his delight at Slark’s appointment, saying: “The board and I are delighted that Gavin has agreed to join us. We are all very much looking forward to working with him. Gavin brings with him unrivalled experience of the sector in addition to a long pedigree as a CEO of significant public companies. Gavin is well placed to continue the work we have started to refocus and change the way we operate in order to better serve our customers and work effectively with our suppliers, as well as engage and motivate our teams.”
As The Construction Index notes, Slark will be taking up his new role pending arrangements with SIG, but it is expected that he will start no later than 1st January 2026. The company has a significant transformation programme underway, and Slark’s expertise will be crucial in driving this forward.
In conclusion, the appointment of Gavin Slark as chief executive of Travis Perkins marks a significant coup for the company. With his extensive experience in the construction sector, Slark is well-placed to lead the company through its current transformation programme. As The Construction Index reports, the board and chair Geoff Drabble are clearly enthusiastic about Slark’s appointment, and it will be interesting to see how he shapes the company’s future.
Source: The Construction Index – Gavin Slark to succeed Pete Redfern as Travis Perkins chief executive.
Source link
