Spirax-Sarco Regulatory News (SPX)

10 Feb 2009 12:37



10th February 2009

STOCK EXCHANGE ANNOUNCEMENT

BOARD CHANGES AT SPIRAX-SARCO ENGINEERING PLC

The Board of Directors of Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc announces the following changes in the Board to take account of retirements and changing roles. These changes are designed to continue to strengthen the Board and support the development of the Group's successful businesses. Spirax Sarco is the world leader in providing engineered solutions for the steam-using and peristaltic pump markets.

Dr Krishnamurthy Rajagopal (age 55) is appointed as an independent non-executive director with effect from 10th Febrary 2009, replacing Einar Lindh whose retirement on 31st December 2008 was announced previously. Dr Rajagopal was previously a main board director of BOC Group plc and Chief Executive of BOC Edwards.

Dr Rajagopal is currently a non-executive director of Dyson Group plc, WS Atkins plc and Bodycote plc. He is also an Audit Commissioner. Until April 2008 he was a non-executive director of Foseco plc. He is a member of the Council for Science and Technology, the Prime Ministerial advisory body, and a Member of the Advisory Board of the Centre for Business Research at Cambridge University. Dr Rajagopal will join the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination Committees and we look forward to his making a strong contribution to the Board.

Alan Black will be leaving the Board on 30th April 2009 realising his long-held intention to retire early. Alan started work at Spirax in 1981 and came onto the Board in 1998. During his long career at Spirax, Alan has been responsible for many of the Group's operating companies in Asia and Europe, and is currently responsible for the company's steam business in Asia, the UK/ROI and South America. Alan has helped to develop those businesses and we thank him for much of the growth and development in those markets in recent years.

We welcome Michael Gibbin (age 46) to the Board from 1st May 2009 as an executive director with responsibility for the company's manufacturing operations in Cheltenham and Châtellerault, France, the company's steam business operations in North America, Cheltenham-based product development and Group-wide health & safety. Mike joined Spirax in 2007 responsible for the Group's manufacturing operations in Cheltenham. He brings previous relevant experience in new product development, manufacturing and general management from the automotive industry, working previously as Chief Executive of Comau Sweden (Fiat) and senior engineering manager for Honda. Mike graduated in mechanical engineering and is a chartered engineer. We look forward to him making a strong contribution to the future development of the Group.

In connection with Mike's appointment, Tony Scrivin will assume responsibility for the company's steam business operations in the UK, Europe and Africa, and Neil Daws will assume responsibility for the company's steam business in the Asia Pacific region and South America.

There are no further disclosures to be made pursuant to Listing Rule 9.6.13.