Board Changes

RNS Number : 0354G

Softcat PLC

24 May 2017

 

24 May 2017

Softcat plc

("Softcat", the "Company")

Board Changes

The Board of Softcat announces that Martin Hellawell has decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer once a successor is in place. At that time, and given Martin's extensive and unparalleled experience in the sector, the Board intends to appoint him to take over as Non-Executive Chairman and Martin has agreed to do so.  Brian Wallace, currently the Non-Executive Chairman, would then retire from the Board.  A search for the new Chief Executive Officer will be led by Brian Wallace and Lee Ginsberg, Senior Independent Director.

The decision to appoint Martin as Non-Executive Chairman has been discussed with a number of the Company's largest shareholders and reflects the Board's strong view that, in addition to the leadership role Martin has played in driving the business forward, he also enjoys an outstanding reputation in the sector and has well developed relationships built over many years and it is in the interest of the Company and its shareholders to continue to benefit from these attributes going forward.

Commenting on his decision, Martin Hellawell said: "It has been a great pleasure for me to have led Softcat for the past 11 years. It has been an intense period and it is my sincere belief that it is now the right time to step down and for the Board to appoint a new leader to the business, one with fresh energy and approaches to capitalise on the fantastic opportunities ahead of us.

The business is in robust shape and we have great people, a unique business and a highly motivated corporate culture that celebrates success and drives our growth. We reported a strong first half earlier this year and have confirmed this morning that the business continued to trade well in the third quarter.

I am delighted that the intention is for me to continue being part of the organisation in the role of Non-Executive Chairman.  I look forward to the new role and challenge and will support the new Chief Executive Officer and the business in every way I can.

In the meantime, we have a job of work to do and I remain fully focussed on leading Softcat as Chief Executive Officer until my successor is in place."

Brian Wallace, Non-Executive Chairman said: "It has been a privilege for me to have been on the Board of this hugely positive, vibrant and successful Company since 2013. Following Martin's decision to step down as Chief Executive Officer, and having chaired the company through its highly successful IPO and first two years as a PLC, I strongly believe that the appointment in due course of Martin Hellawell as Non-Executive Chairman is in the best interests of the Company, its employees, shareholders and other stakeholders."

This announcement contains inside information. The person responsible for arranging the release of this announcement on behalf of Softcat is Win Chime, Company Secretary.

For further information please contact:

Softcat plc Brian Wallace, Non-Executive Chairman Lee Ginsberg, Senior Independent Director Martin Hellawell, Chief Executive Officer	Tel: + 44(0) 1628 403 403
Media Enquiries - FTI Consulting LLP Ed Bridges Matt Dixon Dwight Burden	Tel: + 44(0) 203 727 1000

 

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