Travis Perkins appoints deputy chief executive

Following the recently announced organisation changes, creating four divisions for the Travis Perkins Group's operating businesses, John Carter, currently the Group's chief operating officer, is to be appointed as deputy chief executive, with effect from January 1.

This new role combines responsibility for the enlarged business operating through these four divisions with a wider group of central functions, including IT and customer development.

It brings together the operating businesses and those functions, including supply chain and direct sourcing (currently reporting to Mr Carter as COO) that have a major role to play in Travis Perkins’ successful organic development programme and in the second phase of the ongoing integration of the BSS business. In particular, during this second phase, the Group's merchanting business system will be adapted and rolled out throughout the BSS branch network.

The organic development programme is driving the Group's market share gains, and the BSS integration programme remains on track to deliver its financial targets by the end of 2012, one year ahead of schedule. This appointment enhances the focus on these two strategic priorities.

"This promotion recognises the outstanding part that John has played, and continues to play, in the success of our business, said Robert Walker, Travis Perkins chairman, commented. “He is a first class senior executive and we look forward to his contribution to the future development of the Group.”