Pace names new chief financial officer as major shake-up at group continues

The Saltaire-based group, the world’s biggest maker of TV set-top boxes, said Roddy Murray, the former CFO at plumbing group BSS, will join the company on March 6.

He replaces Stuart Hall, who is standing down after five years at the company.

Mr Hall’s departure follows a tumultuous time for the group, which has seen three profits warnings and Mike Pulli replace Neil Gaydon as chief executive.

The company parted company with chief operating officer David McKinney in January to give the new CEO direct access to the business.

Pace installed high-profile former Asda chief executive Mr Leighton as chairman last May to restore investor confidence. Mr Leighton said: “We would like to thank Stuart for his contribution to Pace during his time here.

“He joined the company in 2007 and has helped steer the business through an important phase in its development. We wish him and his family well for the future.”

Liverpool-born Mr Hall started out as a steel welder but switched to become a trainee accountant, leading to a succession of senior finance roles.

His replacement, Mr Murray, spent five years as finance director at BSS before being named as FD designate at Punch Taverns, but he did not take the role full time.

In his LinkedIn profile, he describes himself as “a high impact chief financial officer with a track record of achievement: consistently delivering sector leading results in tough markets”.

Colleagues have described Mr Murray as a “sleeves up and suffer no fools” type.

Raised in Dundee, he started his career at Price Waterhouse in London.

Mr Pulli said: “We are delighted to welcome Roddy to the business.

“He brings with him a wealth of financial experience.

“His background will be very valuable as we move into the next stage of Pace’s development and deliver on our strategic plan.”