In a flurry of news, Ferguson announced CEO Frank Roach will retire this summer, parent company Wolseley plc will change its name to Ferguson plc and the national distributor released its first-half results.

Leadership transition

Ferguson announced Roach will retire on July 31. Current Ferguson Chief Operating Officer Kevin Murphy will assume the role of CEO effective Aug. 1. Roach was appointed CEO of Wolseley’s North American Division in January 2006, and in August 2009, assumed additional responsibilities as CEO of Ferguson. Murphy joined Ferguson in 1999 through the acquisition of his family’s business, Midwest Pipe and Supply. He has served in a variety of leadership roles and was appointed as Ferguson’s COO in 2007.