Avon Protection Regulatory News (AVON)

20 November 2020

Avon Rubber p.l.c.

Board Update

Board Chair Retirement and Succession

Further to the announcement on 19 February 2020 of the appointment of Bruce Thompson as Non-Executive Director and Chair Designate, Avon Rubber today confirms that current Chair David Evans will retire from the Board on 2 December 2020 and will be succeeded as Chair by Bruce Thompson.

David Evans, Chair, commented:

"It has been a privilege to serve on the Avon Rubber Board since 2007 and to oversee the progression of the Group over this period. We have built strong momentum through consistent execution of our strategy, and I wish the company every success for the future".

Bruce Thompson, Chair Designate, commented:

"I am delighted to take over the Chair role at this exciting time for the company. Avon Rubber has a clear strategy and has made significant progress with the recent acquisitions transforming the Group into a leading provider of life critical personal protection systems. I am looking forward to leading the Board through the next phase of growth."

Non-Executive Director Changes

Avon Rubber confirms two further Board changes as follows:

In view of his recent appointment as Senior Independent Director of Luceco plc and as the CEO of Constantia Flexibles International GmbH, one of the world's leading manufacturers of flexible packaging, Pim Vervaat will stand down from the Board after the Annual General Meeting on 29 January 2021. Bindi Foyle will replace Pim as Chair of the Audit Committee.

Avon is also pleased to announce the appointment of Victor Chavez CBE as an independent Non-Executive Director with effect from 1 December 2020. Victor has recently retired from a long and successful tenure as CEO of Thales UK, the £1.2bn revenue, 6,500 person business operating across the defence, cyber security, transportation, aerospace and space sectors. Victor's career at Thales saw him involved in the company's bids for some of the most significant military contracts in the UK including the Future Integrated Soldier Technology project, which involved the provision of a range of electronic and other systems designed to maximise the effectiveness and protection of dismounted soldiers in the field. Under Victor's leadership, Thales UK successfully grew its position as a prime contractor and systems integrator to the UK MoD and other international military customers.

Victor will also become a member of the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination Committees from 1 December 2020.

There is no other information required to be disclosed pursuant to Listing Rule 9.6.13 in respect of Victor Chavez.

Bruce Thompson, Chair Designate, commented:

"We are delighted to welcome a Non-Executive Director of Victor's standing in the defence sector to the Board. This appointment significantly strengthens the Board's defence industry experience at a time when David Evans is stepping down from the Board.

I wish to extend my sincere thanks to Pim Vervaat for his contribution to the Board and to the strong development of the Group since his appointment back in February 2015. On behalf of the Board I wish Pim every success in his new roles."

For further enquiries, please contact:

Legal Entity Identifier: 213800JM1AN62REBWA71

Note to editors: 

Avon Rubber is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: AVON) and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.

Avon Rubber is an innovative technology group, which designs and produces life critical personal protection systems to maximise the performance and capabilities of its customers, with leading positions in the respiratory and ballistic protection markets for the world's militaries and first responders.

For further information, please visit our website: www.avon-rubber.com.