Forterra has appointed Neil Ash as its new CEO as of 3 April 2023 as Stephen Harrison plans to step down from the position in the first half of next year, allowing time both to commission the new Desford brick factory and support an orderly transition.
Neil has almost three decades’ experience in the building materials sector and an impressive track record of improving performance and delivering growth. He currently leads the Building Performance division at Etex, where he has also overseen major capex projects, significant acquisitions, and developed its sales approach which delivered strong top line growth.
His experience also includes 15 years at Lafarge, where he undertook many roles, including the role of vice president international business development and sales and commercial director UK & Ireland of Lafarge Plasterboard.
Justin Atkinson, chairman of the Board at Forterra, said: “We are very pleased to appoint Neil as the next CEO. His business leadership and extensive building materials sector knowledge will be invaluable to Forterra in the next stages of our development and the Board looks forward to working with him.
“The Board and I are grateful to Stephen Harrison for the significant contribution he has made to the business during his tenure as CEO. We wish him all the best for the future after he leaves Forterra in the second quarter of 2023.”