31 Jul 2020 07:00
DWF Group plc
("DWF" or "the Company")
LEI: 213800O9QREOHTOGQ266
31 July 2020
Appointment of New Chairman and Deputy Chairman
DWF, the global legal business, is pleased to announce that, following a thorough recruitment process, Jonathan Bloomer will join the Board as Chairman with effect from 1 August 2020. When Sir Nigel Knowles became CEO and the Board commenced the process to find a new Chairman, Chris Sullivan stepped up as Interim Chairman. Chris will now take the role of Deputy Chairman, also from 1 August 2020. Chris will continue to act as Senior Independent Director.
Jonathan Bloomer is Chairman of Morgan Stanley International, Arrow Global Group Plc and SDL Group Limited. He has previously held a number of board positions including Chairman of the JLT Employee Benefits Group, Senior Independent Director of Hargreaves Lansdowne Plc, Non-Executive Director of Railtrack Plc and Director of Egg Plc. From 2006-2012, Mr Bloomer was European Partner at Cerberus Capital. Between 2000 and 2005, he was Group Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Group plc, having previously served as Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer and Group Finance Director. Prior to his time at Prudential, Mr Bloomer held senior roles at Arthur Andersen. Jonathan is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Tea Colaianni, who chaired the Nomination Committee for the recruitment process, commented:
"I am delighted that Jonathan has been appointed as our new Chairman. With his wealth of experience as a Chairman and non-executive director, he brings in-depth knowledge of spearheading businesses and driving change."
Jonathan Bloomer, incoming Chairman, commented:
"I am pleased to take on the role of Chairman of DWF, the only Main Market listed global legal business, at this exciting stage of the Company's development. I look forward to working with the Board and the refreshed management team implementing the very clear strategy set out by Sir Nigel aimed at taking DWF forward to a new phase of sustainable and profitable growth."
Sir Nigel Knowles, CEO of DWF, said:
"Jonathan joins the Board at an important time so his seniority and extensive experience in both executive and non-executive roles across a wide range of businesses will be extremely welcome. I am also extremely happy that Chris will become the new Deputy Chairman. Chris will continue to play a pivotal role in listening to and engaging with DWF partners globally and helping to ensure that we maintain strong and effective lines of communication between the partners and the Board. We look forward to continuing to work with Chris and welcoming Jonathan on board as we continue to build on our leading position as a provider of Complex, Managed and Connected services."
ENDS
For further information:
DWF Group plc
Mollie Stoker, Company Secretary +44 (0)7971 783533
James Igoe - Head of Communications
Finsbury (PR advisers to DWF)
Ed Simpkins +44 (0)20 7251 3801
Charles O'Brien
Notes
About DWF
DWF is a global legal business providing Complex, Managed and Connected Services, operating from 33 key locations with approximately 4,200 people. The Company became the first Main Market Premium Listed legal business on the London Stock Exchange in March 2019. For more information visit: dwfgroup.com
Jonathan Bloomer's terms on appointment:
The appointment of Jonathan Bloomer has been made by the Board on the recommendation of the Nomination Committee. The Board has determined that Jonathan Bloomer is an independent Non-Executive Chairman on appointment in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code.
In addition to being Chairman, Jonathan Bloomer will also Chair the Company's Nomination Committee and be a member of the Company's Remuneration Committee from 1 August 2020. The Company's Remuneration Committee determined that his total annual fee will be £170,000 for all these roles.
Jonathan Bloomer is appointed for an initial term of three years commencing on 1 August 2020 until the conclusion of the Company's annual general meeting occurring approximately three years from that date, unless terminated earlier by either party giving to the other three month's prior written notice. Jonathan Bloomer's Letter of Appointment may be viewed by contacting the Company Secretary at the Company's registered office.
There are no additional matters that would require disclosure under LR 9.6.13 R (1) to (6) in respect of Jonathan Bloomer.
Chris Sullivan's terms on appointment:
The appointment of Chris Sullivan as Deputy Chairman has been made by the Board on the recommendation of the Nomination Committee.
Chris Sullivan continues as an independent Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director of the Company. In his role as Deputy Chairman, in addition to acting as Chairman in the absence of the Chairman, Chris will be the Non-Executive Director representing the employee voice on the Board and act as the bridge between the partners in the group and the Board. Chris will continue to be a member of the Nomination, Risk, Remuneration and Audit Committees of the Company. The Company's Remuneration Committee determined that Chris Sullivan will receive an annual fee of £20,000 for his role as Deputy Chairman. This will be in addition to his existing non-executive director fees of £65,000 and Senior Independent Director fees of £10,000. Chris Sullivan owns, or is interested in, 409,836 shares in the Company.
Chris' appointment as Deputy Chairman is for the same tenure as his other positions being an initial period until the conclusion of the Company's annual general meeting occurring approximately three years from the date of Admission, unless terminated earlier by either party giving to the other one month's prior written notice. Chris Sullivan's Letters of Appointment may be viewed by contacting the Company Secretary at the Company's registered office.
Chris Sullivan is a Non-Executive Director of Alfa Financial Software Holdings PLC.
There are no additional matters that would require disclosure under LR 9.6.13 R (1) to (6) in respect of Chris Sullivan.