Howard Group has announced a series of Board and leadership appointments that reinforce its long-term commitment to strong family stewardship, effective governance and sustainable growth as it looks ahead to its centenary.

After serving as Chair of the Group for the past four years, Sian Steele will step down from the role on 31 July 2026. She will remain actively involved with the business, continuing to serve on the Board as a Non-Executive Director.

During her tenure, Sian has played an important role in guiding the business through a period of significant growth and development, whilst providing strong leadership during times of change and uncertainty.

Nicholas Bewes has been appointed Executive Chairman with effect from 1 August 2026. Nicholas has served as Chief Executive Officer for the past 20 years, leading the business through two decades of sustained growth and overseeing its continued success under the stewardship of the third generation of the family.

In this new role, Nicholas will lead the Board while continuing to focus on the Group's long-term strategic direction and supporting the executive leadership team. His appointment comes at an exciting time as the business looks ahead to its centenary and the increasing engagement across the next generation of the family.

Howard Group is also pleased to announce that Thomas Bewes has been appointed as a director of two of its subsidiary businesses, Howard Capital and Airlite Finance. Alongside his existing role within the property team, Thomas will help shape the long-term development of the Group's capital ventures activities, supporting the growth of its portfolio of knowledge-intensive businesses.

Commenting on the changes, Sian said: "It has been a privilege to serve as Chair over the past four years, and I am grateful for the support of the shareholders and fellow Board members throughout that time. I look forward to continuing to contribute as a Non-Executive Director and wish Nicholas and Thomas every success as they take on their new responsibilities."

Gavin Howard and Caroline Bewes added: "These appointments reflect our long-term vision as a family-owned business, combining continuity, experience and the development of the next generation of leadership. We are sincerely grateful to Sian for her outstanding contribution as Chair and are delighted that she will remain on the Board as a Non-Executive Director. Nicholas' appointment as Executive Chairman, together with Thomas' appointments to the Boards of Howard Capital and Airlite Finance, positions the Group strongly as we look towards our centenary and the future beyond."