Directorate Change

RNS Number : 8505U

Oxford Instruments PLC

12 April 2016

 

Release date: 7am, 12th April 2016

Oxford Instruments plc

Ian Barkshire, Chief Operating Officer, to succeed Jonathan Flint as Chief Executive

Oxford Instruments plc, a leading provider of high-technology tools and systems for industry and research, today announces the appointment of Ian Barkshire, currently Oxford Instruments Chief Operating Officer, as Chief Executive with effect from 11th May 2016.  Ian will succeed Jonathan Flint, who has informed the Board that he wishes to step down from his current position after eleven years in the role.  Jonathan will remain on the Board until July 2016 to close out the audit for the year 2015/2016 and complete a smooth transition to Ian's leadership.

Under Jonathan's leadership, Oxford Instruments has grown to become a global leader in the provision of nanotechnology tools, high-technology industrial products and services to the research and commercial sectors.  In that period the Group has significantly improved profitability and more than doubled sales.

Ian joined Oxford Instruments in 1997 and has held a number of senior leadership roles including NanoCharacterisation Divisional Head and Group Technical Director before his appointment as Chief Operating Officer in 2015.  He has a proven track record of delivering results in technology businesses which makes him particularly well placed to lead our group. 

Nigel Keen, Oxford Instruments' Chairman, said:

"Jonathan has shaped the growth of Oxford Instruments over more than a decade as our Chief Executive with great skill and energy.  He has built an innovative culture that has put our smart science at the heart of industry across the globe.  On behalf of Oxford Instruments, I would like to thank Jonathan for his immense contribution to our Company.

"I am delighted that Ian is succeeding Jonathan, and that our succession planning is seeing a colleague with such experience and quality take the helm.  Ian has a track record of almost two decades of leading and building businesses within Oxford Instruments with distinction, most recently as our Chief Operating Officer."

Commenting on today's announcement, Jonathan Flint, Chief Executive, said:

"I am very proud to have led Oxford Instruments for eleven years, working with a dedicated and high quality team to build a global leader in science and industry.  Having worked closely with Ian for a number of years, I am confident that he has the qualities to continue Oxford Instruments' evolution at the forefront of technological innovation."

Ian Barkshire said:

"Jonathan has left an impressive legacy and culture.  I am delighted to lead such a great business and to drive forward our growth plans for the next generation."  

The Company confirms there are no further details that are required to be disclosed under paragraph LR9.6.13 of the UK Listing Rules in respect of Ian Barkshire.

The Company is also announcing today its pre-close trading update for the period ended 31 March 2016 today.

Enquiries:

Oxford Instruments plc                                                          Tel:  [phone]

Jonathan Flint, Chief Executive

Victoria Gault, Group Director of Communications

MHP Communications                                                           Tel:  [phone]

Rachel Hirst/Jamie Ricketts

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Issued for and on behalf of Oxford Instruments plc

Notes to Editors  

About Ian Barkshire

Ian Barkshire has extensive experience of operating business and technology management across the Oxford Instruments Group since 1997, and has held roles including NanoCharacterisation Divisional Head and Group Technical Director.  Ian was appointed to the board as Chief Operating Officer in 2015.  He holds a BSc and DPhil in Physics from the University of York.  He is a member of the Institute of Physics and a Chartered Physicist.

About Oxford Instruments plc

Oxford Instruments designs, supplies and supports high-technology tools and systems with a focus on research and industrial applications. Innovation has been the driving force behind Oxford Instruments' growth and success for over 50 years, and its strategy is to effect the successful commercialisation of these ideas by bringing them to market in a timely and customer-focused fashion. 

The first technology business to be spun out from Oxford University, Oxford Instruments is now a global company and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (OXIG).  Its objective is to be the leading provider of new generation tools and systems for the research and industrial sectors with a focus on nanotechnology. Its key market sectors include nano-fabrication and nano-materials. The company's strategy is to expand the business into the life sciences arena, where nanotechnology and biotechnology intersect.

This involves the combination of core technologies in areas such as low temperature and high magnetic field environments; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance; X-ray, electron, laser and optical based metrology; atomic force microscopy; optical imaging; advanced growth, deposition and etching.

Oxford Instruments aims to pursue responsible development and deeper understanding of our world through science and technology. Its products, expertise, and ideas address global issues such as energy, environment, security and health.  

 

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