As announced in May 2019, after more than 13 years in the role of Finance Director and 25 years with Bunzl plc, Brian May retired from the Board on 31 December 2019 and will leave the Group at the end of February 2020. Brian has been succeeded by Richard Howes who joined the Board and assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer on 1 January 2020. Richard has a wealth of experience across a number of sectors, working for multi-site businesses with substantial global footprints. He also has a strong track record of leading finance functions at a number of international public companies. Peter Ventress joined the Board on 1 June 2019 as a non-executive director and Chairman designate. Peter has a strong track record both as an executive and non-executive director of a number of international distribution businesses and will bring valuable knowledge and experience to Bunzl. He will assume the role of Chairman of the Board and of the Nomination Committee following my retirement at the conclusion of the Company's Annual General Meeting in April 2020. Eugenia Ulasewicz, who has served as a non-executive director since April 2011, will also be retiring after the Company's Annual General Meeting in April 2020.

The Board is recommending a final dividend of 35.8 pence will be paid on 1 July 2020 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 22 May 2020. This brings the total dividend for the year to 51.3 pence, up 2.2% compared to 2018.