Waterford executive to retire

Mr Brian Patterson is to retire as chief executive of Wedgwood on May 31st, the board of Waterford Wedgwood said yesterday.

Group president and chief operating officer Mr Redmond O'Donoghue will succeed him, assuming the responsibilities of Wedgwood chief executive in addition to his group role.

The announcement of Mr Patterson's departure follows what the company described as the completion by him of his six-year assignment at Wedgwood and his decision to return to Ireland. He will remain on the board of Waterford Wedgwood as a non-executive director.

"Brian Patterson has been a driving force within both Waterford and Wedgwood over the past 14 years," said Dr A.J.F. O'Reilly, non-executive chairman of Waterford Wedgwood.

"Brian played a major role in the turnaround of Waterford Crystal and has more recently restructured and transformed Wedgwood into a forward-looking, internationally recognised brand."