Directorate changes

Summary by AI BETAClose X

MS International plc has announced significant directorate changes, appointing Anthony Wreford as independent Non-Executive Chairman and Michael O'Connell as Group CEO. Michael Bell steps down as Executive Chairman after over 50 years of service, becoming Life President and entering a consultancy agreement for £12,500 per month, which is considered a fair and reasonable related party transaction by the independent directors. Mr. Wreford, who holds 20,000 ordinary shares, brings extensive experience in asset and wealth management.

Disclaimer*

MS International PLC
16 July 2026
 

 

16 July 2026

 

MS INTERNATIONAL plc

(the "Company" or "MSI")

 

Directorate changes

 

Further to the full year results statement earlier today, MS International plc confirms the appointment of Mr Anthony Wreford as independent Non-Executive Chairman with immediate effect.

Following over 50 years of dedication to the Group, Mr Michael Bell has informed the Board of his intention to step down today from the Board and his role as Executive Chairman, having overseen the Company's significant growth in recent years and its focus on the 'Defence and Security' division. Mr Bell will become Life President, with immediate effect, a role in which he will continue to provide his substantial expertise and knowhow to the Company.

Mr Wreford is an experienced non-executive director and strategic adviser with a strong track record across asset and wealth management, private equity and broader business advisory. He currently holds a number of board and advisory roles, including Chair of REIS and adviser to Skybound Capital, St. James's Place, Corient and Evolved Brands. Mr Wreford has played an important role in the Company's recent strategic decisions in an independent advisory capacity.

Mr Michael O'Connell has been appointed as Group CEO with immediate effect following his tenure as Group Managing Director and Finance Director before that.

Related Party Transaction

In connection with the appointment of Mr Bell as Life President, Mr Bell has entered into a consultancy agreement with the Company for the provision of his services as an adviser to the Company on an ongoing basis (the "Agreement"). The Agreement has a minimum period of 12 months after which it can be terminated by either party with at least three months' written notice.  Mr Bell will be paid a consultancy fee of £12,500 per month (exclusive of VAT).

As Mr Michael Bell is a substantial shareholder (as defined by the AIM Rules) of the Company and has been a director of the of the Company within the last 12 months, entering into the Agreement is classified as a transaction with a related party for the purposes of the AIM Rules for Companies (the "AIM Rules"). Therefore, in accordance with the AIM Rules, the independent directors of the Company, having consulted with the Company's nominated adviser, Shore Capital & Corporate Limited, consider that the Agreement is fair and reasonable insofar as the Company's shareholders are concerned.

For further information please contact:

 

MS INTERNATIONAL plc                                                                             Tel: +44 (0)13 0232 2133

Michael O'Connell

 

Shore Capital

Nomad and Broker                                                                                      Tel: +44 (0)20 7408 4090
Patrick Castle/Daniel Bush/ Henry Willcocks/ Lucy Bowden

 

Appendix - AIM Rule 17

Save for the information set out above and below, there are no further disclosures to be made in accordance with Rule 17, Schedule Two (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies in respect of the appointment to the Board of Anthony William Wreford, aged 74. 

Mr Wreford holds 20,000 ordinary shares of 10 pence each in the Company, representing approximately 0.12% of the Company's total voting rights.

Current Directorships

 

Real Estate Investment Strategies Group Sa

 

Past Directorships (within five years)

Playing Field (Theatre) Limited

Re Capital Holdings Ltd

 

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