International recruiter Hays has appointed Alan Thomson as a non-executive director and is set become chairman following Hay’s AGM on 10 November when Bob Lawson, the present chairman, will retire from the board.

Thomson, who joins the board at Hays, is currently chairman of international provider of thermal processing services Bodycote, senior independent director and chairman of the Audit Committee at speciality chemicals company Johnson Matthey and a non-executive director of French power generation, rail transportation and electrical transmission equipment manufacturer Alstom.

Bob Lawson, chairman, says: “While I am sad to be retiring from Hays now is the right time to hand over the reins. After successfully navigating through the recession, Hays is returning to growth with a stronger, broader based and more efficient business than ever before.”