James Wroath has been named as the next as CEO of Keller Group plc with effect from 18 August 2025. He will replace Michael Speakman, who will step down on the same day.
James brings a wealth of relevant experience to the role, having most recently served as CEO of Wincanton plc since September 2019. Before that, James held several senior leadership roles in international businesses in the UK and the United States, including Head of North America at LSG Sky Chefs (part of Lufthansa AG), a role he held for nearly four years, which involved managing over 13,000 people and U$1 billion in sales. He has also held leadership positions at Kuehne + Nagel Inc. and Scottish & Newcastle.
The Keller board is confident that James will provide strong leadership and strategic direction as the Group continues to deliver its successful growth strategy.
Keller chairman Carl-Peter Forster said: “On behalf of the Board and the Keller team, I would like to thank Michael for his outstanding leadership and immense contribution to the business since he joined the Group in 2018, initially as CFO, then from 2019 as CEO.
“During this time, he has led the Group through a period of significant growth and development; rationalising the portfolio and improving the project execution across the business, resulting in a substantial uplift in the Group’s performance and the delivery of improved returns. Michael steps down with the Group in a strong financial and operational position to continue to pursue its growth opportunities ahead. We wish Michael our very best as he continues his medical treatment.
“We are delighted to announce James as our incoming CEO. He brings the right blend of experience, vision and leadership to take the Group forward, most recently in his role as CEO at Wincanton plc and from his previous senior roles at two major businesses in the US, LSG Group and Kuehne + Nagel Inc.
“James is a proven FTSE CEO and successfully led Wincanton plc through a period of cultural and operational transformation, leading to the recent sale to GXO Logistics. He brings a strong track record of leading improved performance in geographically dispersed contracting businesses. I look forward to welcoming James to the Board.”
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