Jim Clarke, Countrywide Plc’s group chief financial officer (CFO), is to step down from the board on 31 July 2017 and retire from the group on 31 December 2017.
He will be succeeded by Himanshu Raja who will join the board on 12 June 2017 and will take up the CFO post on 1 August 2017 following the announcement of Countrywide’s half year results.
Clarke has been with Countrywide for over 10 years serving as an executive director on the board, as the group chief financial officer.
Raja has wide CFO experience having most recently served as the chief financial officer and executive director of G4S plc. He will serve as an executive director on the board of Countrywide. His appointment is subject to approval by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Alison Platt, group chief executive, said: “I am delighted to welcome Himanshu to Countrywide. His skills, knowledge and experience are a perfect fit for the group and will be invaluable as we continue to build our future.
“Jim has been a stalwart in the Countrywide group for over 10 years and leaves the business in a strong position to build for its future in the coming years. I have really enjoyed working closely with Jim, and will continue to do so as he hands over to his successor.”
Peter Long, chairman of Countrywide, added: “We are delighted to welcome Himanshu onto the board of Countrywide and look forward to working closely with him.
“On behalf of the board I would like to thank Jim for his dedication to the group over many years. His knowledge and experience has served Countrywide very well and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”