FTSE 250 construction materials group Breedon has appointed CFO James Brotherton as its next CEO, with effect from 1 January 2027.

Brotherton will succeed Rob Wood, who will retire at the end of the year after 12 years with the Derby-based company.

Brotherton has been CFO since 2021 and worked closely with Wood on the development and execution of Breedon’s ‘Expand and Improve’ strategy, including the establishment of a third platform in the US and the company’s move to the main market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

Breedon said the appointment followed a structured succession process involving an internal and external search.

A recruitment process to appoint James’ successor as CFO is underway, and a further announcement will be made in due course.

Brotherton said: "It is an honour to be appointed as Breedon’s next CEO. Having worked closely with Rob to shape the Group’s strategic direction, I look forward to continuing to execute and evolve our ambitious ‘Expand and Improve’ strategy as we continue to build Breedon 3.0.

“We have an excellent business with high-quality and irreplaceable assets, strong market positions and talented colleagues. With attractive growth potential in the US and Ireland, and a material recovery opportunity in GB, it is an exciting time to be taking on this role.”

Wood, who joined Breedon as group finance director in 2014 before becoming CEO in 2021, will step down from the board and retire as an executive director on 31 December. He will remain with the business until September 2027 to support the transition.

Wood added: “Breedon is a remarkable business with incredible people, and it has been a privilege to serve here for the past twelve years. Thanks to the hard work and commitment of our 4,900 colleagues, I am proud that Breedon today is a better and stronger business than ever before.”

Breedon, headquartered at Breedon on the Hill near Derby, reported £1.71bn of revenue and £278.8m of underlying earnings for 2025, while net debt increased to £527.3m following the acquisition of US-based Lionmark.

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