Interserve has announced that Debbie White will step down from her role as chief executive officer at the end of the year, as a new divisional structure for the group is revealed
Debbie White’s decision to step down followed the delivery of the company’s deleveraging programme, in which she led the company through the Interserve restructure.
White, said: “The past two years at Interserve have been the most demanding of my professional career. As a management team, we fought to deliver a stronger financial platform for the business from which it can move forward.
“Whilst we were ultimately unable to secure sufficient shareholder support for the proposed deleveraging plan, under new ownership, we were able to reduce the group’s debt which alongside the successful delivery of the company-wide transformation programme, was critical to securing the future of the group.
“I am grateful for the support of our customers, suppliers and the UK Government during this period. Most importantly, I am grateful to the many fantastic people I have worked alongside at Interserve, and I wish them every success in the future.”
The Interserve restructure has also revealed that it will strengthen its leadership capabilities in each of its three business divisions.
As a result, the key operational responsibilities of the chief executive’s office will in part be devolved to the business divisions, with Mark Morris, currently executive director and chief financial officer, assuming the role overseeing all group functions.
The new operating structure for the three business divisions will see each division led by a chairman and managing director. The chairman of each division will sit on the Interserve group board.
Interserve Construction
Interserve Construction Limited will be chaired by Nick Pollard, who has extensive experience in the construction industry and who has served as a non-executive director to the board since June 2018. Paul Gandy who joined Interserve in October this year will continue as the managing director for the Construction division.
The Construction division’s strategy will focus on delivering best in class infrastructure where it can leverage its strong capabilities in order to create value for clients by delivering on time and to budget across a range of key sectors including healthcare, defence, education, and major framework projects with central government, local authorities, utilities and other private and public sector organisations.
The International Construction business will continue to be led by George Franks who will report into Nick Pollard.
Equipment Services
The equipment services division, RMD Kwikform, will continue to be led by its chairman Ken Hanna and Ian Hayes as managing director.
The division’s strategy will continue to focus on providing engineering solutions to solve complex problems for its customers, through the application of world-class design and logistics capabilities.
Support Services
Support Services will be chaired by Alan Lovell, chairman of Interserve group. Lynn Mawdsley has been appointed as the managing director of the Support Services business. Mawdsley previously held the role of deputy chief financial officer and joined Interserve in January 2019 from Sodexo.
The Support Services strategy will continue to focus on positioning Interserve as a tier one partner to the public and private sector in the delivery of integrated support services.
Commenting on the Interserve restructure, Alan Lovell, chairman of Interserve, said: “Since joining Interserve Group Limited in July, I have been impressed with the scale and capabilities of the group, alongside the outstanding work we deliver for clients.
“This new operating structure will provide us with increased focus in the right areas and ensure that we are well placed to continue this work.
“By recognising the diversity of the three business divisions and giving each one the right governance and operating framework it will enable them to deliver sustainable growth in the distinct markets they serve.”
Debbie White, chief executive officer, added: “Across its three business divisions, Interserve has significant opportunities as a best-in-class partner to the public and private sector.
“The new operating structure for the group, alongside our shareholders continued support, will ensure that we make strong progress delivering the very best services for our customers and have the right governance and financing in place. This will secure an even stronger future for our people and customers across all the markets we serve.”
