New Chairman Appointment

2 March 2011

Hot Tuna plc, a leading surf wear and fashion brand, announces the appointment of Melissa Sturgess as non-executive Chairman with immediate effect. 

Melissa has extensive PLC experience; having helped the corporate development of a number of UK listed resources companies. Melissa was founding director of both Sylvania Resources Limited (AIM, ASX) and Churchill Mining Plc (AIM) and a consultant to Aquarius Platinum Limited (AIM, ASX). She was appointed CEO and Chairman of Nyota Minerals (AIM, ASX) in February 2009 and during that time oversaw the company's successful takeover of Minerva Resources Limited. Nyota has grown from a market capitalisation of approximately £7million to £100million since then. In October 2009, she was appointed Chairman of Carlton Resources plc. Carlton has recently taken a 9.5% stake in ASX and Vancouver listed Luiri Gold Limited. 

Geoff O'Connell, CEO of Hot Tuna commented: "We are very pleased to welcome Melissa to the board of Hot Tuna. She brings significant PLC experience and will help take Hot Tuna to its next stage of growth"

Melissa Sturgess, Chairman of Hot Tuna commented: "I am delighted to be joining the Company. Hot Tuna is an iconic Australian brand and I am very passionate about helping with the company's corporate development plans."

Disclosure of Directorships under Schedule 2 of the AIM Rules.

Melissa Josephine Sturgess, aged 44, is or has been a director of the following companies during the previous five years:

Current directorships:

Carlton Resources Plc

Ethiopian Resources Limited

Nyota Minerals (UK) Limited

Nyota Minerals (Ethiopia) Limited

Past directorships:

Churchill Mining plc

Diamix plc (put into Voluntary Members Liquidation)

Sylvania Resources Limited

Washington Resources Limited

There are no other matters which are required to be announced with regard to this appointment under paragraph (g) of Schedule 2 of the AIM Rules.