The Board of Forterra plc announced that Neil Ash will become Chief Executive Officer designate of Forterra on 3 April 2023. This appointment follows the announcement on 24 May 2022 that Stephen Harrison would be stepping down as Chief Executive Officer during the first half of 2023, allowing time both to commission the new Desford brick factory and support an orderly transition. Neil has almost three decades' experience in the building materials sector and an impressive track record of improving performance and delivering growth.

Currently at Etex, the Belgian lightweight building materials manufacturer, he leads the Building Performance division which is a €2 billion revenue business. During his time at Etex Neil oversaw major capex projects, significant acquisitions, and developed its sales approach which delivered strong top line growth. His experience includes 15 years at Lafarge, where he undertook many roles, includingthe role of Vice President International Business Development and Sales and Commercial Director UK & Ireland of Lafarge Plasterboard.