A new CEO has been unveiled at a Harrogate company which has played a vital role in specialist projects in key sectors since 1954.

Vp plc said it was delighted to announce the appointment of Alice Woodwark as Chief Executive Officer.

Alice’s most recent role was with Mitie Group plc, a facilities management services provider to clients across the UK private and public sectors, where she was a Managing Director, leading its public sector division, Communities.

Prior to that, she had held leadership roles at Compass Group, including Group Head of Strategy and M&A and Managing Director positions for Compass UK.

Harrogate-based company Vp plc said it was delighted to announce the appointment of Alice Woodwark as its new Chief Executive Officer. (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — Harrogate-based company Vp plc said it was delighted to announce the appointment of Alice Woodwark as its new Chief Executive Officer. (Picture contributed)

Jeremy Pilkington, Executive Chair, said: “I am really looking forward to working with Alice and I am confident that her experience, values and leadership style make her an excellent choice to lead the Group into its next phase.”

Based at Central House off Otley Road in Harrogate, Vp plc was founded in 1954 and is a specialist equipment rental business providing equipment, people, services and support for specialist projects.

Formerly known as Vibroplant plc, it focusses on niche sectors in infrastructure, construction, energy and housebuilding markets in the UK and overseas.

The Vp plc board began its search for a successor to Anna Bielby in September and considered a range of high quality candidates.

Boasting extensive leadership and operational experience, with a strong track record in B2B blue-collar services and listed FTSE companies, Alice’s leadership style places a strong emphasis on people and customers, alongside a passion for leading businesses that deliver positive change.

Alice Woodwark said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the CEO of Vp.

"I look forward to working with the excellent team to execute our strategy, prioritising the delivery of shareholder value through growth and operational excellence.”

Alice will assume the role on February 1, 2026, working closely with Anna Bielby for a short handover period.

Alice started her career with management consultancy McKinsey & Company, working across the UK and US in infrastructure, transport, hospitality and retail.

She currently serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director of UK Housebuilder Vistry Group PLC.

Information: https://www.vpplc.com/