AO World plc has announced that Steve Caunce, its chief operating officer, will succeed John Roberts as CEO. John Roberts will transition to a new role on the Board as Founder, Executive Director. Steve will lead the Company as CEO, accountable for strategy and performance delivery. John will focus on innovation and inspiring AO’s people. Both will continue to be responsible for maintaining and developing AO’s unique culture.
This transition in management roles reflects AO’s rapid growth and success and the Board’s succession planning work since IPO. AO has evolved from being a domestic retailer in the UK in 2014 in a single category to operating in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands today, selling more products from multiple categories. The new management structure, which takes effect immediately, will ensure that AO can capitalise on the team’s strengths as it continues to grow. Both John and Steve remain fully committed, long-term investors in AO World.
Geoff Cooper, AO Chairman, said: “We are delighted that Steve is succeeding John as CEO of AO, in a natural evolution of our executive team. Steve has been a key part of the business for more than a decade, most notably overseeing our recent move into Germany and the Netherlands. John’s move reflects the successful management transition as we build on John’s entrepreneurial roots in the AO business that he founded. John’s new role will enable him to continue to play to his strengths as an innovator and a visionary leader. Steve and John remain very much a partnership and together they will ensure that AO continues to deliver for customers, colleagues, suppliers and our investors.”
John Roberts, AO Founder, said: “I am as committed as ever to AO, both as an executive and as an investor, and remain hugely excited about the future of this fast-growing business. Against the backdrop of our rapidly changing marketplace, my role will be to ensure that AO is even better placed to deliver for our customers and to be one of the most exciting places to work. I am immensely proud to be handing over the CEO reins to Steve, who has been with me on the AO journey for more than 10 years. This is the right time for this change – for AO, for Steve and for me – and I look forward to continuing to work closely together.”
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