Clarksons say that Philip Green has decided to step down as chairman of Clarksons in order to focus on his other responsibilities. His resignation from the board will take effect from the AGM on 9 May. Bob Benton, chairman until last year, will remain a non- executive board member and assume the role of interim Chairman with effect from the next Board meeting on 6 March 2014. Since Philip's appointment early last year he has taken on a number of new roles including chairman-designate of Williams & Glyn, steering its IPO process, and chairman designate of Carillion plc.