Interserve, the international support services and construction group, announces the appointment of Debbie White as Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1 September 2017, at which point she will also join the Interserve Plc board. Debbie is currently CEO of Government and Healthcare worldwide at Sodexo Group, a world leading quality of life services company. Adrian Ringrose will remain in the role of Interserve CEO until 1 September 2017 to ensure an orderly transition.

Debbie joined Sodexo in 2004 as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the UK & Ireland and in 2008 was appointed CFO of Sodexo’s North American business, before being appointed CEO, UK & Ireland in 2012. Debbie substantially grew both profit and revenue, while also improving employee engagement and health and safety performance. Under her leadership, the business diversified into probation services and achieved further growth through acquisition. In 2015, Debbie took worldwide responsibility for the company’s Government and Healthcare businesses – a large part of the group’s profit and revenue (6bn euros) with over 100,000 people in 34 countries.

After graduating with an economics degree from Cambridge, Debbie started her career with Arthur Andersen in the UK, before joining AstraZeneca where she held a wide range of financial roles. She later became a director at PWC Consulting where she worked across a number of sectors in a global role, advising on integration, financial performance improvement and post-merger integration. She is a trustee of the charity Wellbeing of Women and a non-executive director of Howden Joinery Group Plc.

Interserve Chairman Glyn Barker commented, “Having conducted an extensive search and selection process, I am delighted that Debbie White is joining Interserve as CEO. Debbie has considerable experience and expertise and a strong track record of success in running complex businesses in the international support services sector. I am confident that, under Debbie’s leadership, the team will deliver the change and growth necessary to take Interserve forward and enhance shareholder value.

Debbie White commented, “I am delighted to be joining Interserve. Over the years I have had a great respect for the company and its people and I am looking forward to leading the organisation into a new era.”

There are no further disclosures required pursuant to LR 9.6.13R of the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority in relation to Debbie White’s appointment.