Seven Group Holdings has announced that Don Voelte has informed the board of his intention to retire on 31 August 2015 and as a result the board has appointed the current chief operating officer Ryan Stokes as incoming managing director and chief executive officer.
Voelte said his decision to retire had been difficult after seven years of service with the Group but it was now time to place the needs of his family in the US first, and he will be retiring from all directorships within the group.
Voelte has agreed to the board’s request to remain as a consultant on an exclusive basis, with a particular focus on the Group’s recently established energy division.
“I am very pleased that I will have an ongoing involvement with this great company, and I’m looking forward to being able to continue to make a contribution,” said Voelte.
“Ryan Stokes is the right choice to lead the Group forward and he will be an outstanding CEO. This is a natural progression and now is the right time for this transition.”
Ryan Stokes said the group’s core strategy remains intact and he will continue to focus on building businesses that provide returns for all stakeholders by enhancing market leading positions and identifying new growth opportunities. “SGH is in very good shape in what are challenging times, and our focus will remain on effectively deploying our available capital to enhance shareholder returns,” he said.