Ricardo appoints former Intertek Group executive as new CEO

Ricardo PLC has appointed Graham Ritchie, a former Intertek Group PLC and BT Group PLC executive, as its new chief executive. Ritchie will begin in the chief executive role on October 1, 2021.

Ritchie will replace Dave Shemmans, who is stepping down as CEO on September 30, 2021, after 16 years at the West Sussex, UK-based engineering and environmental consultancy. 

Ritchie has a proven track record in leading large divisions within listed companies and is well placed to ensure the strong execution of Ricardo’s strategy.  Since 2016, Ritchie has been a member of the executive committee of Intertek Group plc, responsible for its operations in Europe, including Russia, and Central Asia.  Prior to that role, he was Intertek’s Group financial controller. Previously, Ritchie held senior financial positions at BT Group plc and other technology services organisations, having started his career with PwC.  

He is a qualified Chartered Accountant and holds a BA in Economics.

“Graham has significant business experience and the drive to help us take Ricardo to the next level of growth and development. I am personally very pleased that we have been able to attract someone with his calibre, track record and further potential,” said Ricardo Chairman Sir Terry Morgan.

Commenting on his new role, Ritchie said, “’I am delighted to be joining Ricardo at this time.  It has a strong heritage of success built on innovation and expertise in its chosen markets.  At this critical time where the need for environmental change is so fundamental, I have no doubt we can leverage this capability to deliver the company’s vision ‘to create a world fit for the future’.”

“I am very proud of the progress that the exceptional Ricardo team has achieved during my time as CEO.  I am very pleased that Graham Ritchie is to join the business as my successor and I wish Graham, the Board and the Ricardo team my best wishes for continued success,” added Shemmans, outgoing CEO of Ricardo.