Bradford-based window and door company Safestyle UK announced that its chief executive officer Mike Gallacher has stepped down from the board and will leave the business at the end of the year “for personal reasons.”

Rob Neale, who has been Safestyle’s chief financial officer (CFO) for almost five years, has been appointed as CEO with immediate effect.

“Rob has made an invaluable contribution to the group since his appointment and the board has complete confidence in his ability to lead Safestyle through the next phase of its corporate growth, while providing him with their full support,” said Safestyle.

“The company has commenced the independent search process for a new CFO and the board will provide an update in due course.

“During his time as CFO, Rob has built and managed a robust finance team at Safestyle and will be ably supported during the transition process.”

Safestyle chairman Alan Lovell said: “Since his appointment as CEO in Spring 2018, Mike has given exceptional service to Safestyle through some extremely turbulent and challenging times. 

“I would like to thank Mike for his commitment to our people and our business and we wish him and his family well for the future.

“As a result of our succession planning programme, I am delighted to congratulate Rob as he embarks on his new role. 

“The board is confident in Rob’s leadership ability and is looking to the future positively as the business continues to deliver against its strategic objectives.”

On November 29, Safestyle UK published a trading update saying it expects that the group’s underlying profit before taxation for FY22 will be materially below current market expectations. 

Safestyle said its order intake from late September to the end of October was “volatile.”

The firm attributed this to “the well-reported political and economic news and events that have had a direct, adverse impact on consumer confidence.”