Pepco Group appoints former CEO as chairman

Pepco Group, the parent company of variety discount retailer Poundland in the UK, has announced the appointment of Andy Bond as chairman and Neil Galloway as chief financial officer. Bond, who was the former CEO of the group and led it through its flotation on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, will take up his role as chairman of the board at the company’s AGM on 2 February 2023. The news comes as Richard Burrows, who joined as chairman in May 2021 at the time of the company’s IPO, will be stepping down in February next year. It is reported that Gallow will join as the group’s CFO on 1 April 2023 from IWG plc, a provider of flexible workspace in 120 countries, where he was executive vice president. Burrows said: “It is great to welcome Andy back as incoming chairman. Alongside Trevor Masters as CEO, Neil Galloway as CFO and an experienced board, Pepco Group will continue on its ambitious expansion plan. “Having led the board since the IPO and a smooth leadership transition to Trevor, I have seen the effectiveness of our strategy translate into very tangible growth and now is the right time for me to step aside.” Bond said: “I am delighted to be rejoining Pepco Group in the role of chairman. Pepco is a fantastic company with an exciting future ahead. I look forward to working with Trevor and Neil, the board and other stakeholders to continue the group’s growth story. I'd like to thank Richard for the great job that he's done in leading the board and wish him well in the future.” Trevor Masters, CEO of Pepco Group, said: “I would like to express my thanks to Richard for his first-class stewardship of Pepco Group, guiding it and the board through a successful period, including as a listed company. I am excited to be working with Andy again, alongside Neil. Galloway added: “It is fantastic to be joining Pepco Group at such an exciting time in the group’s journey. I look forward to working with Trevor and the group’s leadership team, to capitalise further on the growth opportunities ahead.”