Ground engineer says Michael Speakman will leave in August ‘to continue with his necessary medical treatment’
Keller chief executive Michael Speakman is stepping down because of ill health, the FTSE 250-listed ground engineer said this morning.
He was appointed to the role in 2019, taking over from Alain Michaelis in October that year having joined as chief financial officer the year before.
Last month, the firm said Speakman was undergoing medical treatment and this morning Keller said: “[It is] with sincere regret, that Michael Speakman has given notice that he will step down as CEO and as a director of Keller with effect from 18 August 2025 in order to continue with his necessary medical treatment.”
It added: “The Board fully respects and supports Michael’s decision to step down and extend their immense gratitude to him for his leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the Group over his tenure. Michael will remain employed by Keller on an advisory basis.”
Keller said that a replacement for Speakman had already been found with James Wroath, formerly chief executive of logistics firm Wincanton, joining on 18 August.
Paying tribute to Speakman, Keller chairman Carl-Peter Forster said: “During this time he has led the Group through a period of significant growth and development; rationalising the portfolio and improving the project execution across the business, resulting in a substantial uplift in the Group’s performance and the delivery of improved returns.
“Michael steps down with the Group in a strong financial and operational position to continue to pursue its growth opportunities ahead. We wish Michael our very best as he continues his medical treatment.”
Speaking about Wroath, Forster said: “James is a proven FTSE CEO and successfully led Wincanton plc through a period of cultural and operational transformation, leading to the recent sale to GXO Logistics. The £762m sale was cleared by the Competition and Markets Authority last week.
Keller will announce its interim results on 5 August.
Last year, the firm turned in another set of record results as the ground engineer reaped the benefits of booming workloads in North America.
The firm said group revenue edged up 1% to £2.98bn with pre-tax profit up 46% to £184m. Operating profit was up 34% to £205m.
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