Gooch & Housego appoints Serena Lang as its new chair

(Sharecast News) - Gooch & Housego said on Wednesday that it had appointed Serena Lang as an independent non-executive director and chair designate, with immediate effect.

The AIM-traded specialist manufacturer of optical components and systems said Lang would initially join the board as a non-executive director and was expected to succeed Gary Bullard as non-executive chair following an orderly transition period.

G&H said a further announcement would be made in due course.

Lang is currently chair of Trifast and senior independent director at Henry Boot.

She was previously chair of AIM-listed Eleco, and earlier in her career held senior executive roles at Invensys, BP and Cap Gemini Ernst & Young.

The company said she brought experience across international industrial, engineering and technology businesses, including in strategic leadership, business transformation, operational improvement, growth and digital transformation.

Senior independent director Louise Evans said the board was "delighted" to welcome Lang as non-executive director and chair designate.

"Serena brings extensive and valuable executive and non-executive experience across a range of sectors, with a strong track record in strategy, transformation, growth, public company governance, and Board leadership," Evans said.

"Her experience as a public company chair, including at AIM-listed Eleco, makes her ideally suited to guide the board through the next phase of the group's development."

Evans also thanked Bullard for his "significant contribution" during his eight years as chair, adding that his "leadership, commitment and support have been highly valued by the board".

Lang said she was "delighted" to be joining G&H, describing the group as being at the centre of "exciting, technology-led markets" with differentiated photonics expertise, long-standing customer relationships and an opportunity to build on recent progress.

At 0942 BST, shares in Gooch & Housego were down 1.06% at 930p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.

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