Chris Woodhouse

Chris has also previously held the following positions:

• CEO of RAC Ltd, the second largest UK roadside assistance provider.
• Deputy Chief Executive of Debenhams plc following a buy-in backed by CVC, Texas Pacific, and Merrill Lynch Global Private Equity.
• Deputy Chairman of Halfords, a buyout backed by CVC. Following a successful Stock Market listing in June 2004, Halfords was judged British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association large deal of the year.
• Commercial Director and Deputy Chief Executive of Homebase, a buyout backed by Permira, where a threefold improvement in operating profit was achieved prior to its sale to GUS plc. Following the sale, Homebase was judged European Venture Capital large deal of the year.
• Commercial Director of the Birthdays Group following a buyout backed by Permira and PPM Ventures.
• Various finance director posts, including Superdrug, which was then a division of Kingfisher plc.

Chris is also a former Chair of the Gondola Group, a market leader in the UK dining sector, operating Pizza Express, Zizzi and ASK, employing over 15,000 people.

Chris is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. He was voted Finance Director of the Year 2002/03 and he is also an associate member of the Association of Corporate Treasurers.