The Miller Group, the UK's largest, privately owned Housebuilding, Property Development and Construction business, has announced the appointment of Sir Brian Stewart as a Non-Executive Director with effect from 3 November 2008. It is intended that Sir Brian will succeed Bob Speirs, who retires at the end of December, as the Group's Chairman on 1 January 2009.

Sir Brian, 63, is the former Chairman of international brewing group, Scottish & Newcastle, and a former Chairman of life and pensions group, Standard Life.

At Scottish & Newcastle, Sir Brian helped steer the company from regional brewer and pub operator into an international brewing giant. When Britain's biggest brewer was taken over by a Carlsberg/Heineken consortium in April 2008 - in one of the biggest acquisition deals in world brewing history - S&N was one of the world’s top five brewers.

During his four years as Chairman at Standard Life, Sir Brian oversaw the company's transformation from a mutual insurer into a listed FTSE 100 company.

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Sir Brian said: "The Miller Group is a tremendous company with a great pedigree and a successful track record as Britain's largest, privately owned building and construction group.

"I'm joining a business that has grown to be a major player in the construction industry in the UK, and now abroad, with a management team who have the long-term vision, determination and ambition to build on its past successes, particularly during these challenging times."

Keith Miller, Group Chief Executive, said: "Sir Brian is a very respected figure in the world of business, both at home and internationally. He brings a wealth of boardroom experience and has made an enormous contribution to the development of companies of the stature of Scottish & Newcastle and Standard Life over many years.

"I feel this appointment underlines the confidence we have in our business and Sir Brian will be an exceptional addition to the Miller team as we take The Miller Group forward over the coming years."

Mr Miller also thanked Mr Speirs for his contribution to The Miller Group over the past nine years.

He said: "Bob has been a tremendous influence on The Miller Group for almost a decade and his considerable experience and business insight has helped us deliver 14 years of sustained growth. I’d like to thank him on behalf of the Miller team for his inspiring contribution and strong support over the past nine years."

Bob Speirs said: "The Miller Group could not have made a better appointment. Sir Brian is one of the most astute and successful businessmen in Scotland and will contribute greatly to the future success of the company. Everyone in The Miller Group, and in the wider business community, will view this appointment as confirmation of Miller's underlying strength and ambition."

(GK/JM)