Travis Perkins has appointed a new chair designate of Wickes as part of its ongoing process to demerge the businesses this year. 

Travis Perkins said in its interim results last July that it would be separating Wickes from the company.

Christopher Rogers has been named as chair designate. He is currently a non-executive director of Travis Perkins but it is understood he will not stand for re-election following the group AGM at the end of April.

The demerger is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2020 and “good progress is being made on completing the Wickes board”, the DIY giant said on its website. 

Rogers will bring “extensive financial, operational and retail experience” to the home & DIY retailer as it sets to become an independent listed company, the statement added.

The DIY chain registered like-for-like sales growth of 9.7% in the six months to June 30, driving adjusted operating profit up 49% to £52m.

Travis Perkins’ retail division, which also includes Tile Giant, raked in £695m in sales during the period.

As a whole, the Travis Perkins group, which also has merchanting and plumbing and heating divisions, enjoyed a 14.7% increase in adjusted operating profit to £195m, on sales of £2.7bn.

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