5 Jun 2015 07:01
Cathay International Holdings Limited
("Cathay", the "Company" or the "Group")
Appointment of New Chairman
Hong Kong, 5 June 2015 - Cathay International Holdings Limited (LSE: CTI.L), a leading operator and investor in the growing healthcare sector in the People's Republic of China, today announces that Mr. Wu Zhen Tao has been appointed as Chairman of the Company with immediate effect.
Mr. Wu's appointment as Chairman follows the retirement of Mr. Sum Soon Lim from the position after six years of service. Mr. Sum will remain on the board as an independent Non-executive Director of the Company.
Prior to his appointment as Chairman, Mr. Wu was an Executive Director of the Company, and Chairman of Cathay's Executive and Remuneration Committee and is also a founder of the Group. Upon his appointment as Chairman, Wu Zhen Tao will not be deemed to be independent according to the UK Corporate Governance Code (the "Code"). The Board recognises the recommendations of the Code, however, given his understanding of the Group and his skills in corporate stewardship, the Company considers Mr. Wu to be a formidable asset to the business and that his continued involvement in the Company satisfies the main principles of the Code.
As Sum Soon Lim will remain on the Board as a non-executive director, following the appointment of Mr. Wu, the Company will have two independent directors; Mr. Kenneth Toong, who is considered independent of character and judgement within the criteria set within the Code, and Mr. Sum, who was independent upon his appointment to the Board and is not involved in the day to day affairs of the Company.
Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Lee Jin-Yi, CEO of Cathay International Holdings Limited, said: "The Board welcomes Mr. Wu as Chairman. He has been instrumental in leading the Group to its current position of strength. We look forward to being able to draw on his experience and stewardship as we continue on our growth trajectory. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Mr. Sum for the past six years spent at Cathay. During his time as Chairman, the Company has transformed and delivered some major milestones."
Cathay confirms that there are no further disclosures to be made regarding this appointment under Rule 9.6.11 of the Listing Rules.
-ENDS-
For further enquiries, please contact:
Cathay International Holdings Limited
Eric Siu (Finance Director)
Patrick Sung (Director and Controller)
Tel: +852 2828 9289
Consilium Strategic Communications
Mary-Jane Elliott/ Amber Bielecka / Matthew Neal / Lindsey Neville
Tel: +44 (0) 20 3709 5702
N+1 Singer
Aubrey Powell
Lauren Kettle
+44 (0) 20 7496 3000
About Cathay
Cathay International Holdings Limited (LSE: CTI.L) is a main market listed investment holding company and a leading operator and investor in the growing healthcare sector in the People's Republic of China ("PRC"). The Company and its subsidiaries (collectively the "Group") aim to leverage on growth opportunities in the strong and growing domestic demand for high quality healthcare products in the PRC and build its portfolio companies into market sector leaders with competitive edge. Cathay has already demonstrated a strong track record of identifying high-growth potential investment opportunities in this area including: Lansen Group, a leading specialty pharmaceutical company focused on rheumatology and dermatology in the PRC; Haizi, a company engaged in the manufacture, marketing and sale of inositol and its by-product, di-calcium phosphate; Yangling, a company engaged in production and sales of plant extracts for use as key active ingredients in healthcare products; and Botai, a company engaged in collagen products.
The Group employs approximately 2,000 people across the PRC, including over 30 specialist corporate and business development staff based at the holding company's offices in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Cathay also has a hotel investment.
For more information please visit the Company's website: www.cathay-intl.com.hk.