New CFO for Premier Forest Products
Newport-based Premier Forest Products has appointed a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to support the company through its next period of growth.
Neil Davies joins the company as CFO with over 25 years’ financial experience. Neil started his career with PwC and prior to joining Premier spent 20 years working in the steel industry.
During his time with Tata Steel Neil held senior roles at a group and business level, including finance director of its south Wales operations. More latterly, Neil was one of three executives, along with a consortium of business and public service representatives, who formed an employee management buy-out bid for Tata Steel UK in 2016.
Most recently Neil was the CFO for the UK Windows and Doors Group Ltd as they went through a significant financial and operating restructuring and turnaround plan. Neil is also a board member and Chair of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee at Hafod Housing & Care.
Neil said: “With its history of success and recent, rapid growth, I’m excited to be joining a business of Premier Forest Products’ stature.
“I’m looking forward to building on the great work undertaken by my predecessor Peter Morgan and using my financial knowledge and experience to help drive Premier’s next phase of development through acquisitions and organic growth.”
Co-founder and CEO of Premier Forest Products, Terry Edgell, said: “We’re pleased to welcome someone of Neil’s calibre to the team as we continue to invest heavily in the business. The last 12 months have seen record turnover for Premier and we have ambitious plans in place to continue this trajectory of growth into 2023 and beyond.”
Neil takes over from retiring CFO Peter Morgan who has been with Premier Forest Products since 2008 and has helped steer the company through major changes and rapid expansion.
Peter said: “During my time with Premier Forest Products, I have seen major growth in the business and watched as the company built an excellent workforce with a great bunch of colleagues.
“I have seen a lot of changes, with nine acquisitions during my time with the company but one that stands out the most is saving the Brooks Timber and Building Supplies business in Ireland from liquidation. Preserving jobs and the business, as well as providing the necessary support to restore it to robust financial health, was very memorable, culminating with the sale of the business last year.”
Terry said: “Peter has been a constant source of support to co-founders Dilwyn, Nigel and myself and we’d like to thank him for all his hard work and advice over the last 14 years. We would like to take this opportunity to wish him a long and happy retirement.”
Premier Forest Products is a vertically integrated timber operation engaged in the importation, sawmilling, processing, merchanting, and wholesale distribution of timber and timber products from its 12 sites in the UK.