AO World plc announced that Steve Caunce has decided to step down as CEO and from the Board with immediate effect. As CEO, Steve has successfully strengthened the Group's organisation, senior management resources and operational plans. He has also rapidly expanded AO's continental European operations and broadened the Group's product categories, including through the acquisition of Mobile Phones Direct. The board has re-appointed John Roberts, AO's founder, as CEO. John led the business until February 2017 when Steve became CEO and John decided to focus on innovation and development projects. He now has a renewed energy to focus on the business he created and to lead AO on the continued execution of its strategy.