Churchill China plc (LSE: CHCH) named James Roper as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, following a succession plan initiated in 2023. The appointment follows the departure of Dave O'Connor, who served 14 years as CEO and 35 years with the ceramics manufacturer.
O'Connor will step down from the board but remain with the company on a part-time basis, focusing on materials, retail sales, and projects. Mark Revill, who joined Churchill China in April 2025 as Chief Operating Officer, will continue in his role to support operational continuity during the transition.
Roper, who has served as a director at Churchill China for 14 years and led sales and marketing, has worked alongside O'Connor on strategy and operations for three years to prepare for the leadership change. Robin Williams, Non-Executive Chairman, said the board expressed gratitude for O'Connor's long tenure and collaboration in the succession process.
Roper stated he looks forward to working with the company's long-standing team to drive the next phase of growth. The leadership transition aligns with broader governance changes announced in 2023, which also included adjustments to the roles of the chief financial officer and chairman of the board.
