AUCKLAND, 16 May 2001 - The Chairman of Fletcher Building Limited, Dr Roderick Deane, today announced the appointment of
Ralph Waters as the new Chief Executive of Fletcher Building Limited.
Mr Waters' appointment will be effective in early June, when the Interim Chief Executive, Michael Andrews, will step
down.
In announcing the appointment, Dr Deane said that Mr Waters' track record in managing major change and improving
business performance was very impressive.
"Ralph's most recent experience as the Managing Director of Email, in Australia, highlights his exceptional ability to
initiate and drive change that leads to substantial performance gains.
"In his role as Managing Director, and following a strategic review, Ralph successfully implemented Email’s programme of
focussing on growth of core businesses and divesting non-core assets."
His appointment as Chief Executive of Fletcher Building followed a highly competitive international search.
"We had some impressive candidates to choose from, both nationally and internationally. The Board is delighted that we
have been able to secure such a high calibre candidate who has a strong background in managing complex business
transactions."
"Ralph is a very energetic and focused person. The Board has met with him several times and we are confident he will
provide the type of enthusiasm and focus that will drive real value within Fletcher Building," said Dr Deane.
Prior to his appointment as Managing Director of Email, Mr Waters was Email's Group General Manager of Major Appliances,
where he was able to turn around the performance of the Group. Previously he
lead Email's Industrial Products Division and also spent time working for United Technologies Corporation in a variety
of roles.
"Once again, Ralph's extensive manufacturing, marketing and distribution knowledge combined with his building and steel
industry experience have made him an ideal candidate for this role," said Dr Deane.
Ends
RALPH WATERS
CAREER HISTORY
1983 - 2001 EMAIL LIMITED
May 1998 - Feb 2001 Managing Director
Apr 1995 - Apr 1998 Group General Manager - Major Appliances
Jul 1987 - March 1995 Group General Manager - Industrial Products
Nov 1983 - Jun 1987 General Manager - Planning
1970 - 1983 UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Carrier Airconditioning Pty Ltd, Sydney
Mar 1981 - Nov 1983 National Sales and Marketing Manager
Elliot Turbomachinery Ltd, UK
Jul 1979 - Feb 1981 District Manager - Middle East, London
Aug 1977 - Jun 1979 Sales Engineer - UK and Europe, London
Carrier Airconditioning Pty Ltd
Apr 1976 - Jun 1977 State Manager - South Australia
Jan 1974 - Mar 1976 State Manager - Western Australia
Feb 1970 - Dec 1973 Sales Engineer and Senior Sales Engineer - Victoria