AWF
23/02/2015 08:31
OFFICE
PRICE SENSITIVE
REL: 0831 HRS AWF Group Limited
OFFICE: AWF: New Leader for AWF
MEDIA RELEASE
23 February 2015
NEW LEADER FOR NZ'S LARGEST RECRUITMENT AND STAFFING SOLUTIONS COMPANY
Simon Bennett will take over as CEO of New Zealand's largest "people"
company, AWF Group, in July 2015.
He takes over from retiring CEO Mike Huddleston, who has steered the
NZX-listed group for the last seven years.
Simon is currently chief executive of AWF subsidiary Madison Recruitment,
acquired by AWF in 2013.
AWF chairman Ross Keenan said the board was thrilled to have such a strong
internal candidate, and a process is in place to ensure a seamless
transition.
"Simon Bennett has valuable experience as a hands-on business leader in
challenging industries and has an astute grasp of strategic, commercial and
leadership imperatives."
"He has a great rapport with the people he works with and his drive for
innovation is infectious. He has navigated tough operating conditions and a
low margin environment and has grown the business well year on year."
Mr Keenan said "It was a credit to Mike Huddleston's vision that such a
seamless transition was possible. Mike joined AWF in 2008 and through his
hands on leadership and tireless attention to detail he has ensured that
AWF's growth objectives have been met."
"The board is very grateful for Mike's service to the company and for the
huge contribution he has made."
Simon Bennett is very excited at the prospect of leading a proud business
spanning the New Zealand commercial landscape, with a team of over 4000
helping the wheels of commerce and industry turn.
"There is opportunity for innovation across the AWF group and we can
capitalise on synergies and capabilities from within the Madison business,"
he said.
"Mike Huddleston has done a fantastic job over the past seven years in a
challenging regulatory environment. He has led health and safety reforms,
built true partnerships with clients, and has grown AWF into New Zealand's
biggest and most respected recruitment and staff services company."
Ends
Contact: Ross Keenan, 021 685655
www.awf.co.nz
About AWF Group
AWF, established over 27 years ago, is New Zealand's largest recruitment
company encompassing the temporary and contract labour services of Allied
Work Force with the white collar temporary, contract and permanent
recruitment services of Madison. The Group is truly nationwide with a network
of 41 branches employing 230 permanent staff and placing up to 4,500
temporary staff in work each day. AWF's strategy is built around meeting the
needs of both clients and candidates by delivering quality customer service
and by investing in its people.
-ENDS-
Announcement authorised by:
Paul Mens
Chief Financial Officer
AWF Group Limited
Direct Dial: +64 9 526 2646
Mobile: +64 21 992 532
End CA:00260962 For:AWF Type:OFFICE Time:2015-02-23 08:31:28
