Last checked at 21 Apr 2020 07:00
21 April 2020
Benchmark Holdings plc
("Benchmark" or the "Company")
Director and Divisional Management Changes
Benchmark Holdings, the aquaculture genetics, health and nutrition business, announces that Alex Raeber is stepping down as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and a Director of the Company with effect from 31 July 2020. Since joining Benchmark in 2018, Alex has played an instrumental role in the execution of the Company's new strategy, leading the review and streamlining of the product pipeline, the integration of Benchmark's innovation teams and the reorganisation of the Group's in-house trial facilities. Having completed these critical projects and as the Company moves from an R&D investment phase into commercial execution, Alex has decided that this is the right time to pursue new challenges.
The Company also announces that Philippe Léger has decided to retire from his current position in Benchmark from 1 July. Philippe started his career in 1979 at the University of Ghent as a research scientist, before joining the spin-off company that became INVE, now Benchmark's Advanced Nutrition division. Philippe led Advanced Nutrition until he turned 65 handing over his position to Athene Blakeman as Head of Advanced Nutrition in July 2019. Following the resignation of Malcolm Pye as Benchmark's CEO in 2019, Philippe agreed to extend his service leading the executive management team and supporting Peter George, Executive Chairman. Having completed the handover in Advanced Nutrition and following the appointment of incoming CEO, Trond Williksen from 1 June 2020, Philippe has decided it is the right time to pursue new projects.
Peter George commented:
"On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Alex and Philippe for their important contributions to Benchmark, particularly the roles they have played in the new strategy and restructuring we initiated in 2019. We wish them success in their future endeavours."
Enquiries:
Benchmark Holdings PLC | benchmarkplc.com/investors | |
Septima Maguire, CFO | +44 (0)20 3696 0630 | |
Ivonne Cantu, Investor Relations | ||
Numis Securities | ||
Freddie Barnfield, Duncan Monteith (Nominated Adviser) | +44 (0)20 7260 1000 | |
James Black (Corporate Broking) | ||
MHP Communications | ||
Katie Hunt / Reg Hoare / Alistair de Kare-Silver | +44 (0)20 3128 8742 |
About Benchmark Holdings PLC
Benchmark's mission is to enable food producers to improve their sustainability and profitability.
We bring together biology and technology, to develop innovative products which improve yield, quality and animal health and welfare for our customers. We do this by improving the genetic make-up, health and nutrition of their stock - from broodstock and hatchery through to nursery and grow out.
Benchmark has a broad portfolio of products and solutions, including salmon eggs, live feed (Artemia), diets and probiotics and sea lice treatments. Find out more at www.benchmarkplc.com