Fletcher Building announces Ross Taylor as Chief Executive Officer

Fletcher Building Chairman Sir Ralph Norris today announced the appointment of Ross Taylor as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 22 November 2017.

Mr Taylor was most recently CEO of UGL, an international engineering, services, construction and product manufacturing business, operating across the rail, transport and technology systems, power, resources, water and defence sectors, and headquartered in Australia. UGL was acquired by the international construction and contracting company, CIMIC, in early 2017.

Prior to this he was Managing Director and CEO of Tenix, a privately held engineering and construction services company, and before that held various senior leadership roles at Lend Lease across a 23 year period.

Chairman Sir Ralph Norris said: “Following an extensive search I am pleased to confirm Ross Taylor as the new Chief Executive Officer of Fletcher Building.

“Ross has spent an impressive career in the real estate, construction, manufacturing and engineering sectors internationally, with direct experience across much of the sector value chain. He has worked extensively across our core markets of New Zealand and Australia, as well as Europe, Asia and the USA.

“He has proven experience leading business turnarounds and improving performance and shareholder returns, and has direct experience across a range of Fletcher Building’s core sectors – including housing, manufacturing and construction.

“During his time as CEO and Managing Director of both UGL and Tenix he returned loss-making businesses to profitability, doubling the UGL share price in two years. As Chief Operating Officer and Board Director of Lend Lease he was responsible for all operating businesses globally. He reset the strategic direction of Lend Lease’s construction business and restored results after successive years of underperformance.

“Importantly he is a leader focused on people and culture, safety performance, client and customer satisfaction and sustainability, which are the foundations of any successful company.”

Sir Ralph said that upon his commencement Mr Taylor would lead the development of a new strategy for Fletcher Building, to deliver increased focus and ensure capital allocation that delivers the most value to shareholders.

“The Board and I congratulate Mr Taylor on his appointment and look forward to working with him to lead Fletcher Building into a new phase of growth and opportunity.”

Sir Ralph paid tribute to Interim CEO Francisco Irazusta, who has ably led the business during the leadership transition.

“Francisco is an exceptional leader who has provided a steady hand for the business during this transition. The Board and I thank him for his contribution and look forward to continuing to work with him in his capacity as Chief Executive of our International Division.”

For further information please contact:

Leela Gantman
Head of Communications
+64 27 541 6338
leela.gantman@fbu.com

Rodney Deacon
Head of Investor Relations
+64 21 631 074
rodney.deacon@fbu.com