Directorate change

Helical PLC

25 March 2026

 

25 March 2026

HELICAL PLC

("Helical" or the "Company")

Appointment of new independent Non-Executive Board Chair

Today, the Company announces that Richard Cotton is standing down as Board Chair, Nominations Committee Chair and Director of the Company with effect from the end of April. During his tenure, Richard oversaw the Company's revised strategy in 2024 and appointment of its current Executive leadership team.

The Company is pleased to announce that, following a recruitment process led by a specially convened Nominations Committee and advised by external search consultancy firm MWM Consulting, the Board has appointed Robert Fowlds as independent Non-Executive Chair with effect from 1 May 2026. In addition to assuming the role of Board Chair, Robert will also become Chair of the Nominations Committee and step down from the Audit and Risk Committee. He will remain a member of the Remuneration Committee. Robert will have completed a comprehensive handover with Richard prior to his appointment.

Robert Fowlds joined the Board as an independent Non-Executive Director on 8 February 2024 and his  biography is available on the Company's website. Robert has extensive experience in real estate and corporate finance and is an accomplished non-executive director with a strong understanding of stakeholder relations.

Richard Cotton said:

"It has been a privilege to be part of Helical since 2016 and to contribute to the way in which the business has addressed a number of major challenges over this period.

"During my time as Chair, we have strategically repositioned the Group, providing an exciting platform to take advantage of opportunities in the future.

"I am pleased to be leaving the business in Robert's capable hands and I am confident that he has the skills and experience to support the next stage of the Group's strategy, focused on harvesting the returns from our well timed development programme."

Matthew Bonning-Snook commented:

"I am delighted that Robert has agreed to succeed Richard as Chair and I am very much looking forward to working with him in that capacity. On behalf of the Board, I would also like to thank Richard for the significant and invaluable contribution he has made to Helical, first as an independent non-executive director and then as Chair."

Robert Fowlds said:

"I am honoured to be taking on the role of Board Chair at an exciting time for the business. I believe that there are significant opportunities for the Group ahead, and I am looking forward to working with the Board and wider management team to continue to deliver on the Group's strategy."

Following these proposed changes to the Board's composition, the Helical Board will consist of four independent Non-Executive Directors, including the Chair and two Executive Directors. As part of its ongoing programme of succession planning, the Nominations Committee will continue to review the composition of the Board, including the need to recruit additional non-executive directors as appropriate.

This announcement is made pursuant to UKLR 6.4.6R of the Listing Rules.                    

For further information: Helical plc
Matthew Bonning-Snook (CEO)	Address:     22 Ganton Street, London, W1F                          7FD Website:     www.helical.co.uk  Tel:               020 7629 0113
FTI Consulting
Dido Laurimore Andrew Davis	Email:           [e-mail] Tel:               020 3727 1000

 

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