The Board of Freeport plc announces that Sean Collidge, the Company's founder, Chairman and Chief Executive, has resigned his position and will be leaving the Group with effect from 31st March 2006.
Mr Collidge has been in discussions with senior members of the Board for some time with regard to transition of management by way of succession planning and Mr Collidge feels that now is an appropriate time to step down.
Mike Blackburn, Senior Independent Director, has, at the request of the Board, assumed reponsibility for all Board and operational matters with immediate effect.
On 7th December 2005, the Company announced that it had commenced the search for a new Chairman. The search is progressing well and a further update will be provided in due course.
Freeport Plc was founded in 1994 by the current Executive Chairman, Sean Collidge and has grown to become Europe's leading developer and operator of retailer outlet villages.