Victorian Plumbing Announces New CEO

Victorian Plumbing (AIM: VIC), the UK's leading bathroom retailer, today announces that Mark Radcliffe, the Group's Founder and current Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") has decided he will relinquish his role as CEO with effect from 31 March 2026 but will remain on the Board as a non-executive Founder Director. 

Following a thorough review of succession options, the Nomination Committee concluded that Stephnie Judge, currently the Group's Managing Director ("Group MD"), was the natural choice to succeed Mark. The Board is therefore pleased to confirm that Stephnie has been appointed to the Board to succeed Mark as CEO with effect from 1 April 2026. Mark and Stephnie will continue to work closely together to ensure a smooth transition into their new roles. 

Stephnie joined Victorian Plumbing in 2013 and, following a number of promotions, was appointed Group MD in 2020. She has worked closely with Mark on all operational and commercial aspects of the business and has played a key role in the successful development and execution of the Group's strategy. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving the Group's growth and delivering key strategic initiatives, including: the recent warehouse transformation, the acquisitions of Victoria Plum and Sovereign Transport Services, numerous technology and customer proposition improvements, and the Group's entry into the homewares market through the reimagined MFI brand. The Board is confident that her extensive operational experience and intimate knowledge of the business mean Stephnie is ideally placed to lead the Group. 

Mark founded Victorian Plumbing in 2000 and has grown the business into the UK's leading bathroom retailer. As a non-executive Founder Director, Mark will remain actively engaged with the Group and its strategic direction, and will continue to work closely with Stephnie and the wider team. Mark also remains a substantial and committed shareholder in Victorian Plumbing. 

In conjunction with the CEO succession plan, the Remuneration Committee of the Board is currently reviewing the Executive Directors' reward and the long term incentivisation of Victorian Plumbing's executive leadership team with a view to ensuring that it remains optimised. The Board will provide an update to shareholders in due course. 

Philip Bowcock, Chair of Victorian Plumbing Group plc, commented:

"I am delighted that Stephnie has agreed to step up as CEO of Victorian Plumbing. Her diligent approach to the delivery of the Group's strategic initiatives stands us in very good stead as we look to the next phase of growth. I have worked closely with Stephnie since becoming Chair and I share Mark's confidence in her excellent leadership credentials. I have no doubt that she is the right person to lead Victorian Plumbing through the next chapter and beyond. 

"The Board and the Group will continue to benefit from Mark's deep knowledge of the company he has built, the marketing and technology that drives it and the wider retail environment in his Founder Director role. I look forward to working with him and Stephnie in their new roles." 

Mark Radcliffe, CEO, commented:

"Victorian Plumbing has been on an amazing journey in the 25 years since I founded it and I feel that now is the right time to hand over the reins. Stephnie is the right person to guide Victorian Plumbing through the next phase of growth and take advantage of the significant opportunities that lie ahead. 

"I have every confidence that Victorian Plumbing will continue to go from strength to strength and I look forward to my new Founder Director role." 

Stephnie Judge, CEO designate, said:

"I am honoured and excited to take over from Mark as CEO of Victorian Plumbing, a company that he started from his parents' garden shed over two and a half decades ago. I am confident that the strategy we have put in place together is the right one, and I look forward to working with the executive leadership team and Mark in his new Founder Director role as we continue to win market share while delivering excellent value and choice for our customers."

Source : Victorian Plumbing

Image : Victorian Plumbing

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