CEO Succession

27 October 2026

McBride plc

CEO Succession

McBride plc (the ‘Company’), the leading European manufacturer and supplier of private label and contract manufactured products for the domestic household and professional cleaning/hygiene markets, announces that Chris Smith has informed the Company of his intention to retire from the Board and from his role as Chief Executive Officer (‘CEO’), after nearly twelve years with the Company. 

Chris’s formal six month notice period has commenced, but he has agreed to remain in his role as CEO and on the Board until mid-2027, allowing appropriate time to identify and appoint his successor.

Through the Group’s succession planning process, in anticipation of Chris’s retirement a leading executive search firm was retained to assist the Board in defining the key skills, competencies and experience that will be required to build on the strong foundation established under Chris and his team and lead the Group to the next level. Building on that work, a thorough recruitment process has commenced.

Jeff Nodland, Chairman, commented: “Chris has served the Company with distinction over the last twelve years and, under his stewardship, the Group has undergone significant change, becoming more focussed and disciplined with a strong improvement in financial performance. The Board is enormously grateful for Chris’s contribution over the course of his tenure.”

Chris Smith, CEO, added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my career with McBride and it has been a pleasure to work with my colleagues and the Group’s customers, suppliers and other stakeholders and to steer the Group to its significantly improved position. After almost twelve years, I consider this the appropriate time to step aside and pass the leadership of McBride to a new CEO, through an orderly succession and handover. Until then, I remain fully focussed on strengthening our business and delivering the key projects under way.”

A further announcement will be made in due course regarding the appointment of Chris’s successor.

Note: A statement concerning particulars of remuneration payments in accordance with section 430(2B) of the Companies Act 2006 will be released when the date of Chris Smith’s retirement from the Board is known.

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