Bremworth Limited/Announcement
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CEO, Greg Smith, Steps Down

Director Departure9 April 2025BRWConsumer Discretionary

MARKET RELEASE
10 April 2025


BREMWORTH CEO GREG SMITH STEPS DOWN AFTER TRANSFORMATIVE TENURE


Greg Smith will step down as chief executive of Bremworth, one of the country’s largest carpet

manufacturers, after almost four years in the role.


Bremworth’s Board has appointed carpet industry expert Craig Woolford as interim CEO on a

12-month contract while the search for Smith’s successor is underway.


While these changes will take effect from Friday, 11 April 2025, Greg will remain with the company

until Wednesday, 30 April 2025 to assist with the orderly transition of duties.


During his tenure, Smith led the company’s transformational natural fibre strategy, which saw

Bremworth align itself with New Zealand’s farming sector by moving to the production of wool

carpets and rugs.


Smith also introduced world-first 10-year strong wool contracts, spearheaded sustainability

initiatives, expanded Bremworth’s direct-to-consumer eCommerce business and successfully

negotiated a $100 million insurance settlement following the country’s costliest non-earthquake

natural disaster, Cyclone Gabrielle.


Smith says he has been privileged to lead the iconic Kiwi brand during a pivotal period in its 60-year

history.


“Bremworth’s culture is built on talented craftspeople who are true experts in their fields. I’ve been

continually inspired by the team’s dedication to creating the best products, which is the hallmark of

this business.


“With a new Board focused on sustained growth, I’m confident Bremworth is poised to realise its full

potential. I’m also looking forward to the next chapter in my career,” he says.


Newly appointed Bremworth Board chair Rob Hewett acknowledged the challenges faced under

Smith’s leadership.


“Greg’s tenure coincided with significant headwinds, including the COVID-19 lockdowns, significant

damage to Bremworth’s Napier yarn plant caused by Cyclone Gabrielle and one of the deepest

domestic economic downturns in decades. Throughout these challenges, he has led with a people-

first approach, empowering individuals and teams to push forward and achieve the company’s

objectives.


“The Board extends its gratitude to Greg for his leadership, determination and unwavering positivity

in service to Bremworth and wishes him all the best for the future.





“With a clear strategy and strong foundations in place, the company is well-positioned to increase its

share of the flooring market and return strong value for its shareholders,” says Hewett.


Interim CEO Craig Woolford says he is committed to supporting Bremworth through this transition

period.


“Bremworth has a reputation as an innovative and values-led New Zealand business. I’m looking

forward to working with the team to maintain momentum, support our people, and deliver on the

strategic priorities already in motion.


“The business is in a positive position, and I’m committed to ensuring continuity while helping pave

the way for its future success,” he says.


As previously advised to the market, Greg is a participant in the Bremworth Share Option Scheme

("Option Scheme") and the Bremworth Equity Ownership Plan ("Equity Ownership Plan"). The Board

has determined that:


• Greg will retain the options issued to him under the Option Scheme. Whether those options

are able to be exercised at a future date will be determined in accordance with the terms of

the Option Scheme; and

• in respect of the loan due to Bremworth provided to Greg to purchase the shares under the

Equity Ownership Plan, subject to compliance with all regulatory requirements, Bremworth

will repurchase the shares issued to Greg and Greg will use these proceeds to repay the loan

due (and he will retain any surplus sum).


Further details of the proposed share repurchase will be provided to shareholders in accordance

with the NZX Listing Rules and the Companies Act 1993.


ENDS



Approved for release by the Board of Bremworth Limited


For further information, please contact:

Mark Devlin

Director

IMPACTPR.CO.NZ

+64 21 509 060

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