Des Stickland, CEO for Wridgways is to retire from the company later this year. He has been with the company for 44 years.

Lars Lykke Iversen, CEO of Santa Fe Group, said that Des is highly respected by his industry peers and staff and has led the Wridgways business with skill, integrity and courage over many years resulting in Wridgways being widely acknowledged as a world-class relocation company. However he added that Des believes the time has come for generational change in the Wridgways leadership. “We fully understand and respect Des’s decision to retire as CEO and thank him for his selfless leadership of the company,” said Lars.

Commenting on his retirement from the company Des said: “After 44 years with my beloved Wridgways, the last 22 years as CEO, I believe the time has come to step down and allow a new leader to take the reins. I am grateful to have spent almost my entire working life in such a great company and to have had the absolute privilege of working with the finest group of people one could ever meet. There is never a good time to step down, and believe me it is not an easy decision, but I believe now is the right time for a number of reasons: First, the company has grown and executed very well over a number of years and consistently exceeded shareholder expectations. Second, the Santa Fe Group is providing Wridgways with magnificent support, vision and security. As a result the company is sound, has great people who really know the business, and is very well positioned for continued success long into the future. Third, it is simply time. It happens to all of us at some point. After so long I believe the company will be refreshed and benefit from new ideas and a different face at the helm. I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue as an Independent Director of Wridgways and will look forward to contributing positively and enthusiastically toward the company's continued growth. ”

Des is remaining flexible on his retirement date and will assist in the induction of a new CEO later in the year. 

Photo: Des will have more time to play golf in future