Directorate Changes

RNS Number : 0208J

Soco International PLC

23 June 2011

 



23rd June 2011

SOCO International plc

("SOCO" or the "Company")

DIRECTORATE CHANGES

Retirement

SOCO announces that Mr Peter Kingston and Mr Martin Roberts retired as Non-Executive Directors of the Company following the Annual General Meeting held today.  Mr Kingston served as Chairman of the Audit Committee, Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and as the Company's Senior Independent Director.  Mr Roberts served as a member of the Audit and Remuneration Committees.  The Board thanks Mr Kingston and Mr Roberts for their significant contributions to SOCO.  Mr John Norton will succeed Mr Kingston as Chairman of the Audit Committee.

Appointment of a New Non-Executive Director

SOCO is pleased to announce that Mr Michael Johns has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director with immediate effect. Mr Johns will serve as the Senior Independent Director, the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and a member of the Audit Committee.

Mr Johns has had a distinguished career in legal practice with two international law firms and has extensive experience in a broad range of practice areas, including commercial, corporate, corporate finance and energy law. Mr Johns graduated from Oxford University in 1969 and qualified as a solicitor in 1972.  He was a partner at Withers (as it then was) from 1974 until 1987 and joined Ashurst LLP ("Ashurst") as a partner in 1987 where he was the Head of Energy, Transport & Infrastructure Department from 2001 until 2005.  Mr Johns retired from Ashurst in April 2009 and remained as a consultant to Ashurst until April 2010.

From August 2006 until February 2011, Mr Johns served as a Non-Executive Director of Aer Lingus Group plc.

Commenting on the appointment, Ed Story, SOCO's Chief Executive, stated:

"We are delighted that Michael has joined the SOCO Board today. He brings extensive background and expertise that will enable him to make a significant contribution as the Company's Senior Independent, while also complementing and strengthening the full Board."

Mr Johns does not currently hold any SOCO International plc shares. The Company confirms that there are no additional matters requiring disclosure under Rule 9.6.13 of the Listing Rules.

 

END

 

 

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