Martyn Coffey will join the firm as Chief Executive designate in September.
After a month of intensive induction he will be appointed Chief Executive and take over operational responsibility from Holden on 10 October.
Holden will continue to be employed until April 2014 to ensure a smooth transition.
Coffey joins Marshalls from Netherlands based heating specialist BDR Thermea Group BV.
Andrew Allner, Chairman of Marshalls plc said: “The Board is extremely pleased to have recruited Martyn as Marshalls’ next Chief Executive.
“He has an outstanding track record as a proven Chief Executive in growing businesses and brings significant international experience.
“He joins a team at Marshalls with a very good understanding of the UK market, and a Board with substantial City and investor understanding.”
Coffey said: “I am delighted to be joining Marshalls with its outstanding reputation for integrity and product excellence.
“The Company is well positioned as the market leader in its field and has significant potential for growth in the UK, as well as internationally.
“I look forward to working with Marshalls’ strong Executive team to realise that potential for all its stakeholders.”