Versarien plc (LON:VRS) has announced that James Stewart CBE will retire as Non-executive Chairman on 31 December 2021 and Diane Savory OBE DL will be appointed as the Company’s new Non-executive Chairman on 1 January 2022. As part of the transition process, Ms Savory will attend monthly Board meetings until formally taking office.
James Stewart was appointed to the Board in June 2020 with a particular focus on assisting with expansion in the Far East. Since his appointment, the Company has completed its acquisition of the CVD assets and IP from Hanwha Aerospace in South Korea. With macro events shifting the Company’s focus away from China, James now wishes to concentrate on his private portfolio of UK and Far East investments, but will continue to assist Versarien with its global expansion plans, as appropriate, through his advisory firm Menlo Partners LLP.
Diane Savory has, until recently, served as Chair at GFirst LEP (Gloucestershire). She is a member of the Retail Sector Council at the Department of Business, Enterprise, Innovation and Skills and worked at Superdry Plc for a total of 22 years, including as a main board director, during which time it grew from an SME to a London Stock Exchange Main Market listed company. Diane’s experience is allied to particular elements of the Company’s GSCALE project.
Commenting, James Stewart, said:
“I am very pleased that the Board is appointing Diane as my successor. Her history of working at Superdry during a period of accelerated global growth, her experience as Chair at GFirst and her government connections provides excellent experience for this appointment. It has been a pleasure to serve as Non-executive Chairman of Versarien and I wish Diane and the Company every success for the future.”
Commenting, Diane Savory, said:
“I am delighted to accept the appointment as James’ successor at such an exciting time for the business. As the graphene world begins to gain commercial traction our portfolio of graphene products and global footprint, supported by the UK Government, will allow Versarien to play a key role in bringing advanced materials to the commercial and consumer markets. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank James for his leadership and commitment.”
Further information on Diane Savory
Diane Rebecca Wendy Hill (known as Savory), aged 60, has been a director of the following companies within the last five years:
| Current directorships | Previous directorships |
| CF Productions Limited | GFirst LEP C.I.C. |
| Cheltenham Festivals | QAA Enterprises Limited |
| Black Cedar Limited | Super G H LLP |
| The LEP Network Limited | |
| Maybe Solutions Ltd |
Ms Savory does not hold any ordinary shares in the Company.
Commenting, Neill Ricketts, CEO, said:
“Having worked with Diane at GFirst I am confident that her experience will be invaluable to Versarien as we focus on our objectives of achieving commercial traction and sustainable shareholder returns, whilst also focussing on the benefits graphene can bring to the environment.”
