Swindon’s Connect Group appoints new chairman

Swindon-based news distributor the Connect Group has appointed Gary Kennedy as its new chairman.

Mr Kennedy will replace Dennis Millard, who is retiring from the company, which was formerly known as Smiths News.

Mr Kennedy will join the board as a non-executive director and chairman-designate with immediate effect, and take over the position of chairman when Mr Millard steps down on May 1, the company confirmed this morning (Tuesday).

Mr Kennedy is currently chairman of Greencore Group, chairman of Green REIT, and a non-executive director of Friends First Holdings Ltd.

He has previously been a non-executive director of Elan Corporation plc and Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Ltd, as well as serving on the Board of the Industrial Development Authority of Ireland for 10 years, retiring in December 2005.

Commenting on his forthcoming retirement, Mr Millard said: “It has been a privilege to serve on the Connect Group board since it was first listed in 2006. The Group’s transition from a single activity business to a leading specialist distributor operating in four divisions has been an exciting journey, and we are proud to have delivered an unbroken record of dividend growth since 2006.

“It has been a pleasure to work with such a fine board and executive team and I thank all of them for their support over these years. I welcome Gary to the Connect Group family and wish him and all of the colleagues in the Group the very best”.

Group chief executive Mark Cashmore said: “I am delighted to welcome Gary to Connect Group. His experience across a variety of industries is highly relevant to the Group and will be a valuable asset as we continue to grow our business.”

“I would also like to thank Dennis Millard for his clear leadership, unwavering dedication and contribution to the success of the Group during his time as a director and Chairman.”

Mr Kennedy said: “Connect Group has a clear strategy to build a balanced portfolio of specialist distribution businesses that will continue to grow and deliver strong returns for shareholders. I am very much looking forward to working with the Board and supporting the further development of this strategy.”