Head of finance to leave

Paul Hampden Smith, group financial director of Travis Perkins, the British builders’ merchant group, for the past 17 years, is leaving the company. He will step down from the board after completion of the annual financial statement in February, then remain with the company until September in order to ensure a smooth transfer to his successor, who has yet to be found. Paul Hampden Smith has been with Travis Perkins, parent of the Wickes DIY chain, for 22 years altogether.