Gavin Slark announced in May that he was quitting the firm to join rival Travis Perkins.

Slark will take up his new role at the start of 2026 and was due to continue working as SIG’s CEO until the end of this year.

But SIG announced the appointment this morning of Pim Vervaat as the Company’s new Chief Executive Officer and Chair designate.

Dutch national Vervaat has run packaging and plastic products businesses and will take up his new role on October 1.

SIG said: “In light of the proposed CEO appointment, SIG has exercised its right to place its existing CEO Gavin Slark on garden leave for the remainder of his employment, until 31 December 2025.

“As a result, Gavin has stepped down as a director of the Company with effect from today’s date. The Company continues to have strong and experienced leaders in each of its businesses, operating under SIG’s well established devolved structure.

“In the period to 1 October 2025 the Group’s CFO, Ian Ashton, will continue to work closely with them and will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Group.

“The whole executive team, together with the Board, remain focused on continuing the successful execution of the initiatives in place to improve SIG’s businesses and drive the Group’s operating and financial performance.