DODS.L Regulatory News (DODS)

Dods (Group) plc

Directorate Change

25 November 2013

The Board of Dods (Group) plc ("Dods" or the "Company") announces that Alastair Gornall, Executive Chairman, has resigned from the Board. Alastair joined the Board on 3 September 2013, became chairman on 26 September 2013 and, from 1 October 2013, took primary responsibility for the strategic direction and operation of the whole business. As a consequence of personal circumstances that were unforeseen when he first joined the Company, Alastair has decided that he is not the appropriate person to carry forward the reorganization that he has recommended and which the Board has approved.

The Board has commenced a search for a new chairman. In the meantime, Andrew Wilson has been appointed chairman on an interim basis. 

The Board has implemented the reorganization which introduces a management structure focused on two client communities; the public affairs community and the public sector community. Over the last 12 months, Dods has eliminated the duplication of effort involved with five separate business streams. This is expected to drive efficiency and, as importantly, enhance client experience and growth. The Board are also pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Beck to the Board. Martin will be acting CEO working closely with Keith Sadler, CFO, to continue the development and growth of Dods. Martin, 42, joined Dods in 2003 as Digital Sales Director, becoming MD of the European business in 2007. In 2012 Dods consolidated its UK and European information businesses under his direction. Martin's teams consistently perform to high levels with the Company's Information businesses in London and Brussels. Martin was a director of Boundary Travel Limited until November 2013.

Andy Wilson said "The Board of Dods wishes to thank Alastair for all he has done in a short time to restructure the group and set a clear strategy. We respect his decision to step down at this time. I am confident that, in Martin and Keith, we have the right executive team in place to lead Dods through its current strategy for growth."

No further information is required to be disclosed pursuant to paragraph (g) of Schedule 2 to the AIM Rules for Companies

Enquiries

Dods (Group) plc +44 (0)20 7593 5500

Andrew Wilson, Chairman

Cenkos Securities plc +44 (0)20 7397 8900

Nicholas Wells