Appointment of Chair Designate

Appointment of Non-Executive Director and Chair Designate

John Hennessy to succeed Gary Britton as company Chair

Dublin, London, 11 November 2025: Origin Enterprises plc ('Origin' or 'the Group'), the international group shaping the future of sustainable land use, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr John Hennessy (69) as an independent non-executive Director and Chair-Designate, effective 1 January 2026. John will succeed current Chair, Gary Britton, who will retire at the beginning of March 2026, having served as a non-executive Director for ten years, including three years as non-executive Chair. John will work closely with Gary and the Board to ensure a smooth transition of Board leadership. His appointment follows a rigorous recruitment process led by the Nominations Committee and Senior Independent Director.

John brings extensive leadership and governance experience from executive and non-executive roles in both public and private companies. Most recently John served as Chair of Dalata Hotel Group plc, since its IPO in 2014, overseeing the significant expansion of the business in Ireland, the UK and Continental Europe. Previously, John chaired CPL Resources plc and served as an independent non-executive Director at H&K International.

John also brings legal and financial expertise from his time as a Senior Counsel at the Bar of Ireland, specialising in commercial law and taxation, and as a Partner at Arthur Andersen, where he led forensic accounting and advisory services. He holds a BA in Mathematics from Trinity College Dublin and a Barrister-at-Law degree from King's Inns. He is a Fellow of several professional bodies including Chartered Accountants Ireland and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and an accredited mediator with CEDR.

Gary Britton, Chair, commented: "It has been a privilege to serve on the Board of Origin for over ten years, including three years as non-executive Chair. I have worked alongside a dedicated and talented group of directors, current and former, and an outstanding leadership team who have demonstrated their commitment to Origin. Over the past decade, we have navigated change, embraced new opportunities and remained focused on delivering our strategic vision. I want to extend my sincere thanks to all those I have had the pleasure of working with during my tenure. Your support, collaboration, and integrity have made this role both rewarding and inspiring.

I am delighted to welcome John as Chair Designate. He brings exceptional business acumen and expertise to Origin, and I am confident that the Group will continue to thrive under his and Sean's leadership. I wish the Board, and the executive team, continued success in the years ahead."

Sean Coyle, Group CEO, added: "On behalf of the executive team and the wider Group, I sincerely thank Gary for his outstanding leadership, guidance and dedication during his tenure on the Board. His strategic foresight and steadfast commitment to Origin have been instrumental in shaping the Group's direction and success, and we wish him all the very best for the future.

John's appointment as Chair Designate of the Board marks an exciting new chapter for Origin. He brings a wealth of experience, and I am confident that his stewardship will be instrumental in guiding the Board as we execute the next phase of our growth strategy."

John Hennessy, Chair Designate, added: "I look forward to joining Origin and working collaboratively with my fellow board members, the executive team, and all stakeholders to build on the strong foundations already in place and to continue to deliver long-term value for our shareholders. Origin is a dynamic business, with a strategy focused on optimising sustainable land use and it is a privilege to join an exceptional team with such commitment to this vision and ambition for the future.

I want to acknowledge Gary for his significant contribution during his tenure and the trust placed in me to take on this important position. I am confident the Board will continue to drive meaningful progress for Origin and all our stakeholders in the years to come."

The following information in respect of John Hennessy is disclosed pursuant to Rule 17 of the AIM Rules for Companies:

Current Directorships: 

N/A

Other directorships held in the last 5 years:

Dalata Hotel Group Plc

CPL Resources Plc

ENDS

There is no other information that is required to be disclosed in accordance with Rule 17, Schedule 2 paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies.

About Origin Enterprises plc

Origin Enterprises plc champions sustainable land use through technically-led solutions, empowering our customers to enrich their land so it can achieve its true potential. The Group has leading market positions in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Poland and Romania, and is listed on the Euronext Growth Dublin market and the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.