New FD for Severfield-Rowen

The group, which is Britain's biggest manufacturer of structural steel, said that Alan Dunsmore will join as finance director from 1 March.

Peter Davison is retiring as FD of the Thirsk firm on March 31.

Mr Dunsmore, 40 joins from Smiths Group, where he has been director of finance of Smiths Detection since 2004.

He joined Smiths Group in 1995 in the medical division and held various positions throughout that business. Previously he was with Coopers and Lybrand in Glasgow.

Mr Davison will work alongside Mr Dunsmore as a consultant until the annual general meeting on 3 June to ensure an orderly handover. Mr Davison will continue to serve as company secretary after this time.

Mr Dunsmore will take on directorship roles in the group including JSW Severfield Structures (India) and all operating subsidiaries. He will also have group responsibilities in IT and human resources.

Toby Hayward, chairman of Severfield-Rowen, said: "I am delighted to welcome Alan to the Board. He brings experience which will be very important as the group continues to expand in the UK and internationally.

"I would also like to express my thanks formally to Peter Davison for his enormous contributions and the commitment he has given to the group over the last twenty-two years as finance director."