MELKSHAM, England (Dec. 15) — Trevor Bonner, chairman of Avon Rubber P.L.C. since 2001, will step down as chairman and retire from the board following the company´s annual general meeting in January.
His successor is Richard Needham, vice chairman of NEC Europe and a former United Kingdom trade minister, Avon said. He will be appointed non-executive director and chairman effective Jan. 26.
Bonner joined Avon´s board in 1994 and became chairman in February 2001. Prior to that he was an executive director of GKN P.L.C. and a former president of both the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders and CLEPA (the European Association of Automotive Suppliers).
Regarding Needham, Avon CEO Terry Snead said, "His diverse experience gained in industry over a number of years, particularly in manufacturing, together with his deep knowledge of government and its interface with trade and industry will, we believe, contribute significantly to Avon´s growth prospects, particularly in respiratory protection."