Retirement of Chair and Board appointments

Bytes Technology Group PLC

01 July 2026

 

This announcement contains inside information, as defined in the UK version of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No.596/2014, which is part of English law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.

1 July 2026

Bytes Technology Group plc

("BTG" or "the Company")

Retirement of Chair and Board appointments

Retirement of Chair

Bytes Technology Group plc, one of the UK and Ireland's leading software, security, AI and cloud services specialists, announces that Patrick De Smedt intends to step down from his role as Chair of the Board by 30 September 2026, allowing an orderly transition to the new Chair. Patrick has served as Chair since the Company's listing in 2020 and wishes to devote more time to other professional and personal interests. 

Board appointments

The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Gavin Rochussen as an independent Non-Executive Director and Chair-designate, with effect from 10 July 2026. He will become Chair upon Patrick's retirement from the Board. A further announcement will be made in due course to confirm the date on which Gavin will transition into the role of Chair.

The Board is also pleased to announce the appointment of Tapiwa Ngara as a Non-Executive Director, with effect from 10 July 2026.

Appointment of independent Non-Executive Director and Chair-designate

Gavin brings over three decades' leadership experience, including as Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of Polar Capital Holdings plc ("Polar Capital"), the London-listed specialist asset manager, where he led a period of disciplined growth, strategic realignment and international expansion. Gavin ensured the measured evolution of a successful founder-led organisation through a strategy of 'growth with diversification', delivering strong and sustained shareholder value creation at Polar Capital. He also served as CEO of J O Hambro Capital Management and Group CEO of Fleming Family & Partners, one of Europe's leading multi-family office platforms. Gavin has a strong record of engaging with institutional shareholders, boards and capital markets participants across the UK and internationally.

Upon appointment, Gavin will serve as a member of the BTG Nomination, Remuneration and ESG Committees. Following Patrick's retirement from the Board, Gavin will succeed Patrick as Chair of the Nomination Committee.

Appointment of Non-Executive Director

Tapiwa is an Investment Director at Value Capital Partners (Pty) Ltd, an institutional shareholder of the Company. He is currently a Non-Executive Director of JSE-listed Altron Ltd and Sun International Ltd. Previously, he held roles in investment banking at Goldman Sachs, and in corporate development, investor relations and finance at Vivo Energy plc and Anglo American plc in London. He holds an MBA (Distinction) degree from London Business School, and the Chartered Accountant (SA) designation. Tapiwa brings capital allocation, institutional shareholder and board experience across the UK and international capital markets.

Upon appointment, Tapiwa will serve as a member of the BTG Nomination Committee.

In accordance with paragraphs 6.4.8R(1) to (6) of the UK Listing Rules, it is confirmed that there are no further details to be disclosed in relation to the above appointments.

Erika Schraner, Senior Independent Director, commented: "On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Patrick for his leadership and dedication over the past six years, during which time he has made a significant contribution to the Company. We respect his decision to step down and wish him all the best for the future.

We are also pleased to welcome Gavin Rochussen and Tapiwa Ngara to the Board, and look forward to working with them as BTG continues to focus on execution and disciplined delivery of its strategy."

Enquiries:

Bytes Technology Group plc

James Zaremba, Investor Relations

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Sodali & Co
Elly Williamson
Tilly Abraham

Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail] 

The Company has a primary listing on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange and a secondary

listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

 

END