Vesuvius plc, a global leader in molten metal flow engineering, has announced that Patrick André, president flow control, is to succeed François Wanecq, who is retiring, as chief executive with effect from 1st September 2017 and will join the board of directors of Vesuvius plc.
André, joined Vesuvius in February 2016, as president of the flow control business unit. He has been instrumental in refocusing the unit, in particular, overseeing the restructuring of its European business in 2016. Prior to joining the group, he had a long career serving the steel industry most recently with Lhoist company, the world leader in lime production, where he held the positions of executive vice president strategic growth, CEO Europe and CEO for Asia, CIS and Africa. Prior to this he worked at the ERAMET group, a global manufacturer of nickel and special alloys, where he was CEO of the nickel division then CEO of the manganese division. He is a French citizen, previously based in Belgium but relocated to London to take up the chief executive role. He will continue to be responsible for the flow control business unit until a suitable replacement president is found and he will also serve on the company’s finance committee with effect from his appointment.
François Wanecq stands down as a director of Vesuvius plc and as a member of the finance committee, but remains with the group until 31st December 2017 to assist with the transition of responsibilities.
John McDonough CBE, chairman said: “We are delighted to appoint Patrick André as the group’s next chief executive. Since he joined us last year, he has displayed significant drive and energy in strengthening the flow control business. It is this commitment, together with his industry experience, strategic vision, constant customer focus and proven record of delivery that will enable him to lead the group in the next stages of its development.”
“On behalf of the board I would like to thank François Wanecq for leading the business through a period of significant change and many challenges, with the market turmoil of 2008, the subsequent years of retrenchment, the establishment of Vesuvius as a stand-alone listed business in 2012, and the refocusing, restructuring and performance improvement that has been achieved since then. Throughout that time, François has worked tirelessly to strengthen Vesuvius’ business and to champion safety and quality throughout the group. As we look forward to Patrick assuming his new role in September, we do so from a position of great strength as a result of Francois’ highly effective stewardship"