Appointment of Independent Non-Executive Directors

RNS Number : 7120E

Pendragon PLC

15 May 2013

 



Pendragon PLC ("Pendragon")

Appointment of Independent Non-Executive Directors of Pendragon

Further to the announcement made on 19 February 2013, Pendragon has completed its external search for additional independent non-executive directors and for the successor to Mr Mel Egglenton as chairman of the Company's Audit Committee. Mr Paul Hampden Smith and Ms Gillian Kent have been appointed as independent non-executive directors of motor retail group, Pendragon, each to take office on 23^rd May 2013 (the day after the Company's AGM). Each of Paul Hampden Smith and Gillian Kent will serve on the Company's Nomination Committee and Remuneration Committee and each will also join the Audit Committee, Paul Hampden Smith as its Chairman, succeeding Mel Egglenton, who becomes non-executive Chairman of Pendragon at the close of the AGM.

Ms Kent joins following an executive career in the digital and online sectors, ranging from new product development to consumer brand development and marketing, and culminating in senior roles at Microsoft, where she headed their largest online business in the UK, as Managing Director of MSN, UK. Both at Microsoft and in a range of other businesses, including telecoms, fashion, and as CEO of Propertyfinder.com, she has established expertise in building markets and brands for online consumer products and web-based applications. She is currently a director of private company Skadoosh Limited.

Mr Hampden Smith joins following an executive career comprising senior posts in finance and accounting, culminating with his Group Finance Director role at FTSE 250 company Travis Perkins Plc, where he led the finance function for over 16 years, during which period it grew from a family business to a nationally recognised name with a £5 billion annual turnover. He is a former independent non-executive director and audit committee chairman of DX Services Plc, Polestar UK Limited and house builder Redrow Plc.

Pendragon's retiring Chairman, Mike Davies said: "I am delighted that Gillian and Paul have agreed to join our Board.  Each of them has a track record of considerable achievements in their professional and business life and brings to the Board valuable experience, Gillian from the digital sector and Paul from his strong financial and corporate background."

Mel Egglenton, Chairman-designate of Pendragon, added: "Gillian's in-depth knowledge of online and digital markets and her understanding of consumer behaviours strengthen our Board in what is a key strategic area for our business.  Paul is also a welcome addition to the Board. His established credentials as a chairman of audit committees make him a fitting successor in that role for Pendragon and his finance and multi-site distribution experience will bring further breadth and depth to our Board."

The Board looks forward to working with Gillian and Paul in the next phase of Pendragon's development."

Enquiries:

Pendragon PLC                        Mel Egglenton, Chairman-Designate, Non-executive Director       

                                                                                                           Tel: [phone]

RLM Finsbury                          Gordon Simpson                                  Tel: [phone]

                                                Philip Walters

 

END

 

 

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