Croda International, the Snaith, East Yorkshire-based FTSE 100 speciality chemicals giant, said it appointed Danuta Gray as a non-executive director and chair designate.
Gray will join the board with effect from February 1, 2024, and will succeed Anita Frew as chair at the company’s AGM on April 24, 2024.
Frew will then retire from the board after nine years as Croda’s chair.
“Danuta has held board positions with both FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 companies across a range of sectors for the past 19 years,” said Croda.
“She is currently chair of Direct Line Insurance Group Plc and a non-executive director and chair of the remuneration committee at Burberry Group plc.
“She is also a member of the Employ Autism Development Board.
“Danuta has extensive non-executive listed company board experience having previously been chair of St Modwen Property plc and also having served on the boards of: Aldermore Bank plc, Old Mutual plc, Page Group plc, Paddy Power plc and Aer Lingus plc as well as a non-executive member of the Defence Board of the UK Ministry of Defence.
“On joining the board, Danuta will be appointed to the nomination committee and will succeed Anita Frew as chair of the nomination committee in April 2024.”
Croda senior independent director Jacqui Ferguson said: “I am delighted that the comprehensive search process for our next chair has resulted in the appointment of Danuta.
“Danuta is a highly experienced non-executive director and chair with a deep understanding of growing consumer focused and high technology businesses in international markets.
“She has served on the boards of a variety of listed companies and her depth of boardroom experience and strong understanding of UK governance will be of enormous benefit to Croda.
“On behalf of the board and everyone at Croda, I would like to thank Anita for her outstanding commitment to Croda since 2014 and her leadership of the board and stewardship during what has been a period of significant growth and strong performance.”
Gray said: “I feel tremendous affinity with Croda given the group’s strong customer focus, market-leading innovation and passion for using smart science to improve lives.
“With its talented employees, positive culture and refocused portfolio, Croda has an exciting future and I look forward to working with the Croda team to deliver on opportunities that are ahead.”
Frew said: “It has been my great privilege to work with Croda and to serve as chair of the board since 2014 and I am delighted that I will in due course be handing over the reins to Danuta who will help steer Croda through this next phase.”