Compass Group appoints director

Compass Group, the multinational contract foodservice group, has announced the appointment of Ian Meakins as both non-executive chairman and director of the company.

He will join the board on 1 September 2020, and take over as chairman on 1 December 2020, when Paul Walsh will step down from the board. 

The move follows the announcement made on 9 January that Walsh would step down as chairman and director of the company, and would not seek re-election at the 2021 AGM. 

Meakins was previously group CEO of Ferguson, Travelex and Alliance Unichem. He was also senior independent director at Centrica, and a non-executive director at O2. 

John Bason, senior independent director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ian to the board of Compass. His appointment follows a thorough selection process led by the Nomination Committee of the board. Ian has an outstanding record of value creation and he brings a wealth of experience to Compass.”

Ian Meakins, chairman designate, said: “It is a great honour to take on the role of chair at Compass.  I look forward to working with Dominic and the executive team to drive forward the group’s strategy and ensuring that it continues to create significant value for all stakeholders.”

Dominic Blakemore, CEO, added: “On behalf of the board, and personally, I would like to thank Paul for the enormous contribution he has made to Compass. 

“He has been an excellent chair and he has played a crucial role in the successful development of the group. I also want to welcome Ian to the group, I look forward to working with him.”

Walsh concluded: “After almost seven years as chairman, with a strong and well-established chief executive in place, it is the right time for me to step down.  

“Ian has deep experience of B2B and B2C companies and is an outstanding choice to succeed me. Compass is a world class business and it has been a privilege to serve as its chairman.”