Most bosses would be delighted to see their company expanding overseas. But for the chief executive of engineering contractor Keller, it has proved to be a bit of a headache.
Justin Atkinson, 54, announced today that he planned to retire at the end of next year because the travel demands of the job were getting too much for him after 10 years at the helm.
“Since I joined Keller in 1990, the group has grown significantly, especially in international markets, with it now working in over 40 countries,” Atkinson said.
“Particularly during recent years, this has meant an ever increasing amount of overseas travel, which is not something I can continue to commit myself to.”
In a statement, the FTSE-250 company said it would disclose the terms of the financial package Atkinson will receive when he stands down next year.
According to its last annual report, he was on course for an annual pension worth £106,000 a year if he retired at 60.
He also owns shares worth more than £2 million, based on today’s share price.
Keller shares rose 2.5p to 863p following news of his departure.
