Justin Atkinson announces he will leave the role of chief executive at the end of 2015

Keller

Keller chief executive Justin Atkinson is to step down from the role at the end of 2015, the firm announced this morning.

In a statement to the City this morning specialist contractor Keller said it had already initiated the search for a replacement.

Atkinson said the expansion of the group overseas had required large periods of travel which he could 鈥渘o longer commit to鈥.

He said: 鈥淪ince I joined Keller in 1990, the group has grown significantly, especially in international markets with the group now working in over 40 countries.

鈥淧articularly during recent years, this has meant an ever increasing amount of overseas travel, which is not something I can continue to commit to.

鈥淚 have therefore informed the board of my intention to retire from Keller at the end of 2015, when I will be 55.

鈥淚n the meantime, I shall continue to work diligently with the Executive team to deliver the group strategy.鈥

Roy Franklin, chair of Keller, said Atkins on was a 鈥渉ighly effective chief executive鈥 who had grown total shareholder return by 17% in the ten years since he took up the role.

He added: 鈥淭he timing of this decision provides Keller with continuity of leadership and the necessary time to search for and appoint his successor in an orderly handover.鈥