WEST SUSSEX: United Merchants has appointed Leo Martin of the Grafton Group as a non-executive director to its board.
Howard Grant, managing director of United Merchants, announced Mr Martin's appointment to the Unimer board effective from 1 November 2011.
This new appointment follows the recent resignation of John O’Carroll-Bailey (also from the Grafton Group) who has had to stand down due to illness after almost 10 years of service to the company.
Leo Martin is the chief operating officer and executive director of Grafton Group. He was appointed to the board of that company in January 2005 following the acquisition of Heiton Group plc. In September 2006, he was appointed chief operating officer with responsibility for the merchanting segment.
Mr Martin has advised the Grafton board of his intention to retire at the end of 2011.
He was also chief executive of Heiton Group plc, having joined Heiton its board as finance director in 1986. He is a director of Buy4Now, a member of the Chartered Accountants Regulatory Board, and a trustee of the Dublin City University Educational Trust (DCUET).
Said Howard Grant: "We are very sad that John has had to stand down. He has made an extremely valuable contribution to the company over the years, and he will be missed by both directors and staff at Unimer. We wish him a speedy recovery from his current illnesses.
“We are delighted that Leo will join the Unimer board. With his vast experience of the construction products and merchant industry, we are sure that he will contribute to the future of Unimer.
“The strength of our board is an essential factor in driving Unimer forward and further cementing our position as the leading clearing house for the trade industry. I am convinced Leo will play a key part in supporting our plans for future growth and I am delighted that we will be benefiting from his in-depth knowledge and experience of the industry.”
Mr Martin said: “It is an honour to join the Unimer board and, with a long merchanting career behind me, I will enjoy being able to contribute to the future path of the organisation. I am joining a formidable and respected group of individuals who serve on the board, and am looking forward to working with them to benefit the industry as a whole.”
