James Fisher and Sons Regulatory News (FSJ)

18 January 2018

James Fisher & Sons plc

Board Changes

James Fisher & Sons plc ("James Fisher"), the leading international marine services provider, announces that Charles Rice has informed the Board of his intention to retire as Chairman and a Director of the Company at the AGM on 3 May 2018. It is intended that Malcolm Paul, presently the Company's Senior Independent Director, will become Chairman at the conclusion of the AGM.

Malcolm Paul is a chartered accountant and was the Finance Director of WSP Group plc between 1987 and 2009. Prior to that, Malcolm was a principal at the corporate finance boutique Financial Decisions and a partner at Longcrofts, a chartered accountancy firm. He joined the James Fisher board in 2011 and is the Senior Independent Director and Chairman of the audit and remuneration committees. Malcolm is also currently Chairman of Anthesis Consulting Group, an international environmental and sustainability company.

Charles Rice, Chairman of James Fisher, commented:

"After fourteen years on the Board of James Fisher and almost six as Chairman, I have decided that now is the right time to stand down as Chairman. It has been a privilege to serve the James Fisher Group during a period when it has grown strongly and profitably, and established itself globally as a leading marine services provider. In Malcolm Paul, we have an experienced Board member with a deep knowledge of the Group. James Fisher has a strong management team in place and I am confident that it will continue its track record of growth and innovation into the future."

Malcolm Paul, Chairman elect of James Fisher, commented:

"Throughout my time on the James Fisher Board, I have admired both the breadth of the Company's businesses and the strength of its management team. It will be an honour to become Chairman of James Fisher and I look forward to the Group continuing to deliver on its strategy for growth and innovation.

Appointment of Non-Executive Director

James Fisher also announces today that Justin Atkinson will join the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director on 1 February 2018 with the intention of succeeding Malcolm Paul as Chair of the Audit Committee in May 2018.

Justin was Chief Executive and a Director of Keller Group plc from 2004 to 2015, having formerly served as both Chief Operating Officer and Finance Director, and has significant operational and financial experience both in the UK and internationally. A chartered accountant, Justin is currently Senior Independent Director of Kier Group plc, Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Audit Committee at Forterra plc and a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee of Sirius Real Estate Ltd. He is also a member of the Audit Committee of the National Trust.

There is no other information to be disclosed under paragraph 9.6.13R of the Listing Rules.

Contacts