Directorate Change

RNS Number : 8919U

Ricardo PLC

01 July 2009

 



Ricardo is pleased to announce that Professor Dr. Hans-Joachim Schöpf, former executive vice president of DaimlerChrysler AG and former head of Mercedes Car Group R&D, has been appointed non-executive director to Ricardo plc

With an automotive career spanning thirty six years and including some of the most senior positions in the German automotive industry, Professor Dr. Hans-Joachim Schöpf is one of the leading influences on modern automotive R&D.   Having started at Daimler Benz AG as a trainee in 1969 following completion of his first degree, Professor Schöpf rose to become an executive vice president to DaimlerChrysler AG, head of Mercedes R&D and member of the board of Mercedes Car Group .  During this time he was responsible for many of the company's leading products including the A- and C- class cars, and he was instrumental to the implementation of technologies such as common rail diesel and direct injection gasoline engines, and vehicle electronic stability control.   In 1995 he initiated the build-up of MbTech GmbH, the wholly-owned technology and engineering subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler, which has subsequently grown to be a business in excess of €250 million.

Having retired from DaimlerChrysler in 2004, Professor Schöpf has been appointed to directorships of BEHR, and TK Bilstein in Germany, Valmet Automotive, Finland and member of the advisory board of Mahle. In addition Professor Schöpf was a director of Ballard Power Systems in Canada until the end of 2007.  He has also worked as an independent automotive consultant and is an Honorary Professor of the Technical University of Vienna and Honorary Senator of the Technical College of Esslingen.

Since 19 September 2007 Professor Schöpf has been a non executive director of Ricardo Deutschland GmbH and an adviser to the company's Technology Strategy Group. On appointment , he will resign form the board of Ricardo Deutschland GmbH but will remain an adviser to the Technology Strategy Group.

Commenting on the appointment of Professor Schöpf, Dave Shemmans, CEO of Ricardo plc, said:  

 'I am pleased to welcome Professor Schöpf to the board and I am confident that he will make a very positive contribution in guiding the development of Ricardo's global strategy.  Professor Schöpf is one of the leading figures in the global and in particular German automotive industry. His advisory input in all aspects from technology to market strategy and client approach will be a catalyst for the development of our business introducing a respected international dimension to the board.'

Marcus Beresford, Chairman of Ricardo plc, added: 

 'This is again a demonstration that Ricardo can attract the very best of international talent, I believe that with his exceptionally strong background in automotive R&D and long history with one of Germany's leading multi-national automakers, Professor Schöpf will be a very valuable member of the board. The Board looks forward to welcoming him and the guidance he will bring' 

There are no details regarding Professor Schöpf that require disclosure under 9.6.13(1) to (6) of the Listing Rules.

1st July 2009

For further information:

Ricardo Plc

Patricia Ryan, Company Secretary Tel: [phone]

www.ricardo.com

 

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