Wolseley has announced that, following an extensive search of both internal and external candidates, Steve Ashmore has been appointed as UK Managing Director with effect from 10 May 2010.

Steve, aged 45, has considerable construction materials distribution sector experience and since 2008, he has been Managing Director of Wolseley’s UK Heavyside businesses of Build Center, Drain Center, Brandon Hire and Encon. Between 2007 and 2008, he was Managing Director of the UK Lightside businesses of Plumb Center, Parts Center, Unifix and BCG. He joined Wolseley in October 2005 as UK Brand Development Director.


Steve has strong international operational experience and before joining Wolseley, spent more than 11 years with Exel plc, the supply chain and third party logistics provider, in a variety of leadership positions. Between 2003 and 2005 he was Managing Director, Europe, of Exel’s Industrial Division, covering logistics and supply chain management for the capital goods, utilities and processing industries. Prior to that, he was Managing Director, Continental Europe comprising Exel businesses in Spain, France, Germany and Portugal. Before joining Exel, Steve was a consultant for management consulting firm A. T. Kearney Ltd for two years.

Steve will join Wolseley's Executive Committee and will report to Ian Meakins, Wolseley plc Chief Executive. In addition to his new role, in the short term Steve will continue to manage the UK Heavyside operations until a successor is appointed.

(CD/GK)