Ab Dynamics PLC (LON:ABDP) the designer, manufacturer and supplier of advanced testing systems and measurement products to the global automotive industry, has today announced a number of changes to the Board of Directors of the Company.
The Company has moved to strengthen its Board and is pleased to announce the appointment of Mat Hubbard as Chief Operating Officer of the Company and Richard Hickinbotham as a Non-executive Director, both effective from 14 August 2017. In addition, Rob Hart, currently Finance Director, will become Chief Financial Officer.
The Company also announces that Tim Rogers has informed the Board of his decision to step down as Chief Executive Officer at the end of 2017, after 5 years with the business. In the meantime, Tim will continue as CEO and Director for the time required to facilitate a smooth handover to his successor, provide continuity and maintain the stability of the business. The Company has already commenced the process of recruiting and appointing a new Chief Executive Officer and will update the market in due course.
Matthew James Hubbard (Mat), aged 42, studied at Cambridge University gaining an MEng. in Electrical and Information Sciences Tripos (EIST) with particular interests in embedded computing, networking and motor design. Mat joined Anthony Best Dynamics Ltd in 1999, initially as a Project Engineer and more recently as Operations Director.
Mat has played a leading role in the development and marketing of new technologies whilst at ABD, in particular in developing the Company’s proprietary driverless vehicle testing system. He has also become increasingly involved in managing the group’s operations and in its IT and recruitment strategies. Mat has been a director of Anthony Best Dynamics Limited, the wholly owned operating subsidiary of the Company, since 4 March 2008.
Richard Hickinbotham, aged 58, holds a BSc. in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College and is a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years City experience. Most recently he was Head of European Research at Cantor Fitzgerald Europe, prior to which he was Head of Research at Charles Stanley Securities having previously held a number of senior positions at Investec and S G Warburg & Co. (acquired by UBS).
Tim Rogers, CEO of AB Dynamics commented: “The Company has grown rapidly over the past five years, supported by the introduction of innovative new products and services. The Company has a full order book and there is a solid platform for the next stage of growth. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at AB Dynamics and I am proud of what we have achieved. However I feel this is the right time for me to leave the Company and the opportunity now exists to bring in experienced senior management to continue to drive the Company forward. The move to strengthen the PLC Board and the recent additions to the operating management team are designed to facilitate this.”
Tony Best, Chairman of AB Dynamics, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Mat and Richard to the Board of the Company. Mat has been a key player in the development of our business and we welcome his expertise and guidance at Board level to ensure our continued future growth. We have worked with Richard over a number of years and he has provided valuable advice. I am confident he will be a significant addition to the Board. These additions significantly strengthen our Board and we look forward to growing the business further as we enter the next phase of our growth plan.
“We would like to thank Tim for his substantial input to the Company since joining the Company in September 2012 as he has guided us through our journey from a private business to an established PLC. His contribution to our growth has been invaluable. We wish him well for the future.
“We have begun our search for Tim’s successor and are confident of a smooth transition as Tim has agreed to stay with us until the end of the year.”
Further information disclosable under Schedule Two paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules
Matthew Hubbard is interested in 114,649 ordinary shares (of which his spouse, Lynn Fenner is interested in 55,291 ordinary shares) representing in aggregate 0.6% of the Company’s issued share capital. In addition, Mat has been granted the following share options in the Company:
|
Date of grant |
Number of options granted |
Exercise price |
Last exercise date |
|
11 July 2016 |
65,119 |
395p |
11 July 2026 |
|
Current directorships and partnerships |
Past directorships and partnerships |
|
Anthony Best Dynamics Limited |
None |
Richard Hickinbotham does not hold any shares or options in the Company. In the 5 years preceding the date of this announcement, he held the following directorships or partnerships.
|
Current directorships and partnerships |
Past directorships and partnerships |
|
Pemberton Terrace Management Company Limited |
None |
|
Directa Plus PLC |
Save as disclosed, there is no other information to be disclosed in respect of Mr Hubbard or Mr Hickinbotham under Schedule Two paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies.
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014.
