Directorate Change

RNS Number : 5754V

Benchmark Holdings PLC

06 November 2017

 

Benchmark Holdings plc

("Benchmark", the "Company" or the "Group")

Appointment of Non-Executive Directors

Benchmark strengthens the board bringing in leading industry and commercial expertise

Benchmark, the aquaculture biotechnology and food chain sustainability business, announces the appointment of Hugo Wahnish and Yngve Myhre as Non-Executive Directors of the Company with immediate effect. 

Hugo Wahnish (65) has over 35 years of experience in the animal health and pharmaceuticals industry, firstly with GlaxoSmithKline, and more recently with  Merck during a period of major growth in the organisation.  Hugo held the post of Chief Commercial Officer Animal Health at Merck, having responsibility for Merck's commercial operations worldwide.  Since stepping down from that role in 2012, Hugo has acted as an independent senior advisor with several multinational companies, private equity  groups and consulting firms primarily in the animal health sector.  Hugo brings a wealth of international experience to the board of Benchmark, alongside his expertise in aggressively growing businesses and in the commercialisation of medicines and animal health products.  Hugo is based in the United States.

Yngve Myhre (48) has more than 20 years experience in the aquaculture sector as a senior executive, adviser and investor.  Yngve was chief executive of leading Norwegian salmon producer Salmar, and of international white fish supplier Aker Seafood during periods of successful growth.  He is now chairman of Chilean salmon producer Nova Austral, recently acquired by Cargill,  and sits on the boards of Mediterranean fish producer Andromeda and Norwegian aquaculture research institute Nofima.  Yngve also acts as strategic adviser to investors in the aquaculture sector.  Yngve has a very strong track record in Benchmark's focus area of aquaculture, both in the Norwegian and international markets.  Yngve is based in Norway.

Information in respect of Hugo Wahnish and Yngve Myhre, as required by Rule 17 and Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules for Companies, is set out below.

Benchmark's Chairman, Alex Hambro, commented:

"We are delighted to welcome Hugo and Yngve to the Board of Benchmark. Their combined expertise and experience in the aquaculture and pharmaceutical industries will broaden the Board of Benchmark as the Company seeks to maximise value from its unique portfolio of products and technologies.

 The Board of Benchmark carried out an extensive international search to bring to the Board additional leading international industry and commercialisation expertise. Attracting Hugo and Yngve is a testament of  the strength of our industry standing, our technology platform and our potential."

Additional information:

Neither Hugo Wahnish nor Yngve Myhre hold any shares in the Company.

Hugo Wahnish's current directorships/partnerships:

Dinicola Partners
Maxima LLC

Yngve Myhre's current directorships/partnerships:

Rosøy AS

Nova Austral SA

Nova Austral Management Invest AS

Blåfjell AS

Blåfjell Holding

Aqua Site AS

Aqua Site Holding

Perseus Seafood Limited
Helgeland Adventure AS

Yngve Myhre's past directorships/partnerships (last 5 years):

SalMar ASA

Albain Midco Norway AS (EWOS Group)

Arnarlax and Kvitholmen AS

Trænafestivalen

There is no further information to be disclosed pursuant to AIM Rule 17 and Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules for Companies.

- Ends -

 For further information, please contact:

Benchmark Holdings plc                                                Tel: [phone]

Malcolm Pye, CEO

Ivonne Cantu, Investor Relations Director

Rachel Aninakwah, Communications

Numis                                                                                   Tel: [phone]

Michael Meade / Freddie Barnfield (NOMAD)

James Black (Corporate Broking)

Tavistock                                                                             Tel: [phone]

Sophie Praill

Notes to Editors:

Benchmark challenges the status quo in aquaculture.

Since 2000, Benchmark has consistently worked to build a platform to serve its customers, helping food producers take control of their biological environment through the combination of genetics, nutrition, health and knowledge services. Through its in-depth knowledge of animal biology Benchmark is able to tackle the key issues facing producers primarily in the aquaculture sector.

The Company has proven distribution capabilities in high growth markets and operates internationally with R&D facilities, commercial farms, diagnostic laboratories, manufacturing sites, production facilities and commercial offices across 27 countries in five continents. As at 30 September 2017, Benchmark employed 952 people.

For further information on Benchmark please visit www.benchmarkplc.com.

 

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