Chief Executive Officer Succession

Published:

30 Oct 2024

James Cropper plc, the Advanced Materials and Paper & Packaging group, announces that Steve Adams has notified the Board of his intention to retire from the Company, stepping down as Chief Executive Officer and from the Board, in early 2025.

Following a rigorous search process led by the Nomination Committee the Board is pleased to announce that David Stirling has been appointed to succeed Steve Adams as Chief Executive Officer. David will join the business as Chief Executive Officer Designate in January 2025 and will be appointed to the Board as Chief Executive Officer following a short handover period.

David was most recently Chief Executive Officer at Zotefoams plc, a Main Market listed pioneer in cellular materials, a position he held for 24 years. Under his leadership, Zotefoams developed a range of technical materials to serve a diverse global customer base and grew from a single UK site to multiple manufacturing operations across the UK, Europe, North America and Asia.

David began his career as a chartered accountant with KPMG in the UK and PricewaterhouseCoopers in the USA and Europe before transitioning into industry. He brings a wealth of leadership, strategic, commercial, operational and technical experience, and is well positioned to lead the Group into its next phase of growth and development.

A further announcement regarding the timing of David’s appointment to the Board will be made in due course.

Mark Cropper,

Non-Executive Chair

David Stirling,

Incoming Chief Executive Officer

Steve Adams

Chief Executive Officer

“ I am delighted to welcome David to James Cropper. David has a proven track-record for delivering growth in materials businesses by developing new products and entering new markets across a variety of end-uses on an international scale. I am confident that his strong leadership and strategic outlook will harness the strength and value of our products and services across our global markets and diverse customer base.

On behalf of the Board, I would also like to thank Steve for his contribution over the last two years as Chief Executive Officer, and prior to that as Managing Director of the Paper & Packaging business. Steve has navigated the business during a challenging period, and leaves James Cropper repositioned for growth as an advanced materials business. ”

Mark Cropper,

Non-Executive Chair

“ I am excited to join the team at James Cropper and look forward to working with the Board, Executive team and wider workforce to deliver value across the business portfolio of advanced materials and paper and packaging products. ”

David Stirling,

Incoming Chief Executive Officer

“ I have enjoyed my time at James Cropper tremendously both as Chief Executive Officer and previously with the Paper & Packaging Division over the last seven years. The Company has made great progress, and I am delighted to hand over to David Stirling for its next stage of growth. I wish all those at James Cropper the best for the future and thank them for their considerable support during my time with the Company. ”

Steve Adams

Chief Executive Officer