DWF Group plc (LON:DWF), the global legal business, has announced that, following a thorough recruitment process, Jonathan Bloomer will join the Board as Chairman with effect from 1 August 2020. When Sir Nigel Knowles became CEO and the Board commenced the process to find a new Chairman, Chris Sullivan stepped up as Interim Chairman. Chris will now take the role of Deputy Chairman, also from 1 August 2020. Chris will continue to act as Senior Independent Director.
Jonathan Bloomer is Chairman of Morgan Stanley International, Arrow Global Group Plc and SDL Group Limited. He has previously held a number of board positions including Chairman of the JLT Employee Benefits Group, Senior Independent Director of Hargreaves Lansdowne Plc, Non-Executive Director of Railtrack Plc and Director of Egg Plc. From 2006-2012, Mr Bloomer was European Partner at Cerberus Capital. Between 2000 and 2005, he was Group Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Group plc, having previously served as Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer and Group Finance Director. Prior to his time at Prudential, Mr Bloomer held senior roles at Arthur Andersen. Jonathan is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Tea Colaianni, who chaired the Nomination Committee for the recruitment process, commented:
“I am delighted that Jonathan has been appointed as our new Chairman. With his wealth of experience as a Chairman and non-executive director, he brings in-depth knowledge of spearheading businesses and driving change.”
Jonathan Bloomer, incoming Chairman, commented:
“I am pleased to take on the role of Chairman of DWF, the only Main Market listed global legal business, at this exciting stage of the Company’s development. I look forward to working with the Board and the refreshed management team implementing the very clear strategy set out by Sir Nigel aimed at taking DWF forward to a new phase of sustainable and profitable growth.”
Sir Nigel Knowles, CEO of DWF, said:
“Jonathan joins the Board at an important time so his seniority and extensive experience in both executive and non-executive roles across a wide range of businesses will be extremely welcome. I am also extremely happy that Chris will become the new Deputy Chairman. Chris will continue to play a pivotal role in listening to and engaging with DWF partners globally and helping to ensure that we maintain strong and effective lines of communication between the partners and the Board. We look forward to continuing to work with Chris and welcoming Jonathan on board as we continue to build on our leading position as a provider of Complex, Managed and Connected services.”
