"Most powerful woman" takes chair!

Premier Farnell has appointed Valerie Gooding CBE as a non-executive director and Chairman of the Board with effect from 15 June 2011.  Val will succeed Sir Peter Gershon, who retires at the Company’s Annual General Meeting on 14 June after 7 years on the Board.

Valerie Gooding CBE

Ms. Gooding brings a wealth of global experience to the Board including 10 years as CEO of BUPA (British Health Insurance company), a period during which the group more than trebled in size, delivered record profits, and achieved significant international expansion.  Prior to joining BUPA Ms. Gooding held a number of senior roles at British Airways, latterly as Director for Asia Pacific . She will continue to serve as a non-executive director on the Boards of Standard Chartered plc and the BBC, but will stand down from the Board of J Sainsbury plc at the company’s Annual General Meeting in July to give her the time to devote to the Chairmanship of Premier Farnell.  Ms. Gooding was previously a non-executive director of Compass Group plc and BAA plc.

Commenting on the appointment, Dennis Millard, Senior Independent Director said, “We are delighted that Val will be joining Premier Farnell as we continue to execute our strategy for profitable growth, bringing innovation and differentiation to the global high service distribution sector.  She will bring outstanding qualities to the role of Chairman and we welcome her to the Company.  We would also like to thank Sir Peter Gershon for his strong leadership and invaluable counsel over the past 7 years. His insight and experience has been important throughout this time as we have worked to transform the organisation. ”

Val Gooding, previously recognised in the Fortune list of most powerful women in world business said, “This is an exciting appointment for me.  I have watched Premier Farnell’s evolution with interest in recent years as it has transformed to become a web business with a strong international presence in the emerging markets, and high service reputation.  Sir Peter Gershon leaves an outstanding legacy and I look forward to building upon it with the Board, Harriet Green and the wider executive team to deliver continued profitable growth through anticipating and meeting the needs of our customers and suppliers in the rapidly changing world of technology.”