Global reshuffle as Fitch de-lists

Fitch, the world’s first publicly quoted design consultancy, is seeing major staff changes as it de-lists from the Stock Exchange, following its acquisition by Lighthouse Holdings earlier this year (DW 2 April).

The move sees the appointment of a new global operations board for the group, and coincides with the resignation of two senior staff.

Senior consultant Neil Whitehead and senior director Alan Thompson are to join Rodney Fitch & Co, where they will effectively replace former managing director Chris Jenkins, who left last week (DW 30 July). Two non-executive directors, former Addison head Steve Smith and investor Pieter Totté, are also joining Rodney Fitch & Co.

The de-listed Fitch is planning to embark on a series of acquisitions and joint ventures, confirms a consultancy spokeswoman.

International design consultancies are to be targeted as the group uses its new found resources to accelerate its growth.

Joint venture announcements are expected as early as next week, and growth of the existing company is to be nurtured.

Martin Beck will continue as chairman of Fitch, and as president of Lighthouse. Jean François Bentz, previously Fitch’s European chief executive, becomes the consultancy’s vice-chairman.

Former joint managing directors of the UK office Giles Marking and John Harrison take seats on the new board, along with Spencer Murrell, Bill Faust and Mark Artus from the US offices, and worldwide chief financial officer Greg Vick.