Distrupol CEO to retire end of March

Distrupol’s European CEO, Steve Bradbury, has announced his retirement and will leave the company at the end of March.

According to John Phillpotts, Vice President, Northern Region, Vopak Chemical Distribution Europe: “It is with reluctance that we have accepted Steve Bradbury’s decision, he has been one of the major architects in the growth of Distrupol.

“However,” he added, “Steve’s announcement has not come as a surprise, he had made it known for some time that he wished to retire early but had deferred his departure in order to assist in transitioning Vopak’s polymer businesses into Distrupol. Clearly, after 37 years experience in the polymer industry and given his long background with the company, his contribution will be sorely missed.”

KD Thermoplastics Ltd, a company co-owned by Bradbury since 1972, was one of the original constituents of Distrupol, KD was acquired by Ellis and Everard PLC in 1992 representing its first venture into polymer distribution. In 1997 Ellis and Everard merged all its polymer interests to form Distrupol becoming a pan-European business. In 2001 Ellis and Everard, including Distrupol, were acquired by Royal Vopak. Within the industry Bradbury was also widely known through his role as the first Chairman of the British Plastics Federation’s Distribution Group, 1996-99.

There are no immediate plans to replace Bradbury at Distrupol and as of 1st April, John Phillpotts will assume responsibility as CEO, Distrupol Europe in addition to his current role, a position he has held before. No other management changes are anticipated, although the company’s European Commercial Director, Gerry Moore, will take on the additional responsibility of Distrupol’s Nordic business.