19th Sep 2008 07:00
SEPURA plc
APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Sepura plc ("Sepura" or "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Gordon Watling, currently Chief Operating Officer, as the new Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"). He will replace Graham Matthews who, as previously announced, had informed the Company of his intention to retire as CEO and from the Board. These changes will take effect on 1 October 2008 and follow a thorough benchmarking exercise, involving both internal and external candidates, conducted by the Nomination Committee.
Gordon Watling ("Gordon"), age 41
Gordon joined Sepura in November 2006 as Chief Operating Officer. He has assumed increasing levels of responsibility since he joined and has been instrumental in delivering operating efficiencies and major internal change.
Graham Matthews ("Graham")
Graham steps down after a distinguished career as a founding member of Sepura and as the Company's first CEO since its formation in 2002. He will remain with the business in the short-term to ensure a seamless handover.
FY09 Interim Results timetable
The Company expects to announce its financial results for the six month period ending 30 September on 27 November 2008.
Philip Nolan, Chairman of Sepura said:
"My Board and I are very pleased that Gordon Watling has accepted the role of Chief Executive of Sepura. Gordon has been Chief Operating Officer since 2006 and during this time has acquired a detailed understanding of the Company and its markets. He has also played an increasingly influential role in the leadership of the Company. We are confident of a smooth transition from Graham to Gordon and we look forward to continued growth under Gordon's leadership.
The Board would also like to recognise the significant contribution that Graham Matthews has made to Sepura's success so far. He hands over a very strong Company to his successor and we wish him a prosperous and fruitful retirement"
Gordon Watling, commenting on his appointment as CEO, said:
"I am delighted to have been appointed CEO at a very exciting time in Sepura's development, as the Company continues to increase its international presence and global market share.
Sepura has an outstanding reputation for technical innovation and will continue to build on that as a key differentiator delivering increased sales and shareholder value.
I will work with the Board, and lead the management team and employees, to ensure that the Company maintains its relentless focus on all areas critical to our continued growth and success."
There are no matters to disclose in accordance with paragraph 9.6.13R of the FSA Listing Rules.
For further information please contact:
Sepura Tel: 01223 876 000
Philip Nolan, Chairman
Powerscourt (Media Enquiries) Tel: 020 7250 1446 / 07747631614
Paul Durman
Kay Larsen
- ENDS -
Notes to Editors
About Gordon Watling
Gordon Watling joined the Group in November 2006 as Chief Operating Officer. He was previously global engineering director of Honeywell's Electronic Sensing business from 2003 to 2006 and operations director of Invensys Energy Systems from 1998 to 2000, until he became development manager at HP/Agilent Technologies in 2000. Prior to that, he had operations, development and manufacturing roles at Schlumberger Industries between 1985 and 1997.
About Sepura
Sepura is a global leader in the design, development and supply of TETRA (TErrestrial Trunked RAdio) digital mobile radios, used predominantly by the emergency services around the world as well as in the military, transportation, utilities, local government and commercial sectors.
The TETRA standard was developed mainly for public safety professionals. It facilitates reliable radio communication at all times and offers secure voice and data transmissions - free from the possibility of eavesdropping.
Sepura has rapidly expanded across the world with a network of more than 75 regional partners that sell and support locally its market-leading products in over 90 countries. It is now the market leader in more than 25 countries.
Sepura's development expertise is focused entirely on TETRA radio terminals, and the Company offers the broadest range of TETRA products available. It is also the market leader in the supply of surveillance and other specialist TETRA radios and accessories.
Based in Cambridge, England employing some 350 employees, Sepura was admitted to the Official List of the London Stock Exchange on 3 August 2007.
Recognition For Innovation
The Company has won a number of awards in recent months, including the PLC Award 2007 for Best Technology Company and the 2008 Frost & Sullivan Global First Responder Company of the Year Award.
For further information please visit www.sepura.com
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