Connect Group names its new chief exec

Distribution company Connect Group has named Jozef Opdeweegh as its new chief executive. Mr Opdeweegh will take the helm on September 1, replacing Mark Cashmore.

Mr Cashmore, who had been chief executive of the group since its inception in 2006 as an independent news wholesaler de-merging from WH Smith PLC will stand down on August 31, but will remain with the company during a transition period.

Mr Opdeweegh started his career in the financial services industry and worked in a number of senior finance positions. In April 2016, Jos was Chief Executive Officer and Board Director of Premier Farnell PLC, a FTSE listed specialized high service distributor of technology products, until its sale to Avnet Inc. in October of the same year.

“This is an exciting time to be joining the group,” said Mr Opdeweegh. “With two strong brands and a leading position in each of our markets there is every opportunity to drive an improvement in performance and establish a strategy that delivers value for all stakeholders.”

Connect Group chairman Gary Kennedy said: “I am looking forward to working with Jos to deliver our plans for strategic turnaround, profit performance and capital management.

“Jos brings a wealth of experience in delivering value driven strategic change. A results driven executive, his energy and relentless focus on delivery will be central to our turnaround and in sustaining performance improvement.

“I am grateful to Mark Cashmore for his invaluable contribution during his tenure.”