Fenner PLC Regulatory News (FENR)

20 December 2017

This announcement contains inside information

Fenner PLC

("Fenner" or "the Company" or "the Group")

Appointment of Chief Executive Officer

Fenner PLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Brett Simpson as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Simpson will join the Company on 1 May 2018 and will take over from Mark Abrahams as Chief Executive Officer from that date. Mr Abrahams, who temporarily resumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at short notice in January 2016, will retire from his executive position and the Board upon the appointment of Mr Simpson; he will be retained on a consultancy basis for a period of time to enable an orderly handover.

Mr Simpson, who has been Chief Executive Officer of Low & Bonar PLC since 8 September 2014, is an experienced Chief Executive Officer and will bring a breadth and depth of knowledge to the role. He qualified as a chemical engineer, having started his career at The Dow Chemical Company in 1986. He has extensive knowledge of polymers and industrial textiles and has significant international experience having lived and worked in the USA, China and Europe. 

Mr Simpson is 53 and an Australian national, living in the UK. 

There is no information required to be disclosed pursuant to the Listing Rule 9.6.13.

Vanda Murray O.B.E., Chairman of Fenner, commented:

"We are delighted to welcome Brett to the Board of Fenner. With his industry background, track record and international experience he will bring deep strategic and commercial acumen and strong general management skills as we move Fenner into its next phase of growth."

"I would like to thank Mark Abrahams personally for his sterling work in having stepped back into the Chief Executive Officer role and for having stabilised the Group and, in conjunction with the senior management team, returned it to growth. He has been passionate about Fenner and is now able to pass the baton over to a strong successor. I wish Mark well in his retirement."

The person responsible for making this announcement is:

Debra Bradbury - Group Company Secretary

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Notes to editors:

Fenner PLC is a world leader in reinforced polymer technology, providing local engineered solutions for performance‐critical applications.