Malcolm Pye, Benchmark's founder and Chief Executive Officer, has announced his decision to step down to allow the company to appoint a new Chief Executive to drive the next phase of Benchmark's growth and development. Malcolm will formally step down on November 30 when he will become a Non-Executive Director of Benchmark, ensuring the company retains, at board level, his extensive knowledge and experience. 

Peter George, Chairman of Benchmark, will step up, with immediate effect, to Executive Chairman and will remain in this role until the appointment of a new CEO, to ensure a smooth transition period and a successful handover of Malcolm's role and responsibilities.

Malcolm led the group through its foundation, admission to AIM and the acquisitive and organic growth that followed. Benchmark's Chairman, Peter George, said that "on behalf of the Board, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Malcolm for his considerable contribution during his time with the group. We are delighted that he will remain with Benchmark in a NED role, which will ensure we retain his significant expertise.”

The company has commenced an external search for a successor and a further announcement will be made in due course. The announcement follows the appointment of Septima Maguire as Chief Financial Officer.