29 Aug 2013 09:00
Universe Group PLC
("Universe", the "Group" or the "Company")
Appointment of new CEO and director
Universe Group PLC (AIM: UNG.L), a leading developer and supplier of payment and on-line loyalty systems, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeremy Lewis as Chief Executive Officer and director, with effect from 23rd September 2013. Jeremy succeeds Stephen McLeod, who leaves on the 30th September 2013 to pursue other projects with the Company's best wishes and gratitude for his leadership over the past two years.
Jeremy Michael James Lewis, aged 50, is an experienced leader of technology companies. Following a degree in engineering from Imperial College, London, Jeremy qualified as an accountant at KPMG before embarking on a career in investment banking, latterly joining Robert Fleming as a transaction team leader in corporate finance until 1998 when he was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Eidos plc. In late 2002 Jeremy was appointed CEO and then Chairman of the advisory board of Terraplay Systems AB, an award-winning designer and marketer of mobile network optimization software. In November 2006, he co‑founded Canis Capital with GP Bullhound, an organization set up to acquire technology companies in the secondary market. More recently he became CEO of Catalis SE, a quoted Dutch company that provides global outsourcing services for the digital media industry.
Jeremy is currently not a director or partner in any companies or partnerships. In the previous five years he has been a director or partner of the following companies or partnerships: Canis Capital Management LLP, Catalis Development Services Limited, Catalis SE, Kuju Group SE, Testronic Laboratories SE. There are no further disclosures to be made in respect of Jeremy pursuant to Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules for Companies.
Robert Goddard, Chairman of Universe Group commented:
"Four themes run through Jeremy's career. These are company leadership, strategy implementation, M & A and technology management. These are the core skills needed by Universe as it moves forward into its next exciting stage of development. Accordingly, we are delighted to have secured Jeremy's services.
It is important to put on record our thanks to Stephen McLeod, our departing CEO. Over the last two years he has transformed the Company, having swiftly rationalised the business, he created a new, more-focussed strategy and set in train the implementation of that strategy. He leaves Universe a very much stronger company. We wish him the very best in pursuing his many other interests."
Universe Group PLC
Robert Goddard, Chairman
Stephen McLeod, Chief Executive
Tel: 02380 689510
finnCap Limited
Stuart Andrews / Henrik Persson (Corporate Finance)
Simon Starr (Corporate Broking)
Tel: 020 7220 0500