New CEO for Angling Direct as group reveals Board succession plan

Angling Direct, the UK’s leading fishing tackle retailer, has announced its Board succession plan, which includes the appointment of a new CEO.

In a statement to the London Stock Exchange this morning, the group revealed that current CEO Andy Torrance will step down from his role and will be replaced by current Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Steve Crowe (main picture). Torrance (below) will stay with Angling Direct as Non-Executive Chairman.

Martin Page is relinquishing his role as Non-Executive Chairman. He will remain on the Board as a Non-Executive Director.

The timing of these changes are dependent on the recruitment of a new CFO to work alongside Crowe to deliver the Group’s growth strategy. Torrance will now start the process of handing over his responsibilities to Crowe.

Torrance said: “Angling Direct is a great business with great potential and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as CEO. Having navigated a number of challenges since taking on the role at the outset of the pandemic in 2020, I feel that now is the right time to hand over the reins to Steve.

“Having worked closely with Steve since joining, I know that his in-depth knowledge of the business, combined with his financial rigour and passion for angling, will ensure Angling Direct continues to thrive and I look forward to working with him and the wider Board in my new Chairman role.”

“I am delighted to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer of Angling Direct at this exciting time in the company’s journey,” said Crowe. “The strategy that Andy and I have put in place is the right one, and having Andy and Martyn remain on the Board will be invaluable as we execute against our stated objectives.”

Page added: “I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Board, to thank Andy for everything that he has done since joining the Group in 2019. I am pleased that he has agreed to replace me as Chair as retaining his retail experience and counsel will be invaluable to Steve in his new role and indeed the entire Board.

“Having founded Angling Direct nearly 40 years ago, the business is in great shape with strong financial foundations and I am confident that Steve is the right person to lead the business through the next phase of growth. We look forward to further enhancing the skillset and capabilities of our Board once a new CFO has been identified.”