Non-Executive Director Changes

Nichols PLC

04 August 2026

 

4 August 2026

(the "Company" or the "Group")

Non-Executive Director Changes

Nichols plc, the diversified soft drinks group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Padfield as an Independent Non-Executive Director of the Company, with effect from 1 September 2026, replacing Helen Keays who will be stepping down from the Board after nine years of service with effect from 31 August 2026.

Laura is Chief Executive Officer of IVC Evidensia, Ireland, one of the world's leading veterinary care providers, operating across Europe and North America. She has extensive leadership experience in consumer-facing businesses, with a strong track record of driving growth, transformation and operational excellence. She previously held a number of senior executive roles, including within retail with Marks and Spencer and Tesco, where she developed expertise in strategy, customer experience, organisational development, logistics, supply chain and international retail operations.

The Board believes Laura's experience will be highly complementary to the existing Board and will further strengthen Nichols' capabilities as it delivers its long-term growth strategy.

From the date of her appointment, Laura will become Chair of the Remuneration Committee and a member of the Audit and Nominations Committees.

Helen Keays, Independent Non-Executive Director, will step down from the Board and as Chair of the Remuneration Committee and member of all board Committees with effect from 31 August 2026, after nine years of service.

The Board would like to thank Helen for her contribution to Nichols, particularly her important role in strengthening the Company's governance framework over this period. The Board wishes her well for the future.

Liz McMeikan, Chair of Nichols plc, commented:

"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Helen for her valued contribution to Nichols and warmly welcome Laura as she joins us at an exciting stage in the Group's continued development. I look forward to the benefit that Laura's breadth and depth of experience will bring to the Board."

Laura Joanna Padfield (aged 49) is currently, or has during the past five years been, a director of the following companies:

Current directorships of partnerships	Previous directorships of partnerships
·      Airmid Veterinary Limited ·      Creatures Limited ·      Independent Vetcare Ireland Limited ·      Joavdoel Limited ·      Acorn Veterinary Clinic Limited	·      Marks and Spencers Czech Republis  A.S. ·      Marks and Spencers Services S.R.O. ·      Marks and Spencers Marinopoulous Greece S.A.

Save as set out above there are no further disclosures pursuant to Rule 17 or Schedule Two paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies in respect of the appointment of Laura Padfield.

Contacts

Nichols plc Andrew Milne, Chief Executive Officer Matthew Rothwell, Chief Financial Officer Telephone: [phone] Singer Capital Markets (NOMAD & Broker) Jen Boorer / Sara Hale / Amber Higgs / Carl Diebitsch Telephone: [phone] Website: www.singercm.com Berenberg (Joint Broker) Clayton Bush / Alix Mecklenburg-Solodkoff Telephone: [phone] Website: www.berenberg.de Hudson Sandler (Financial PR) Alex Brennan / Harry Griffiths / Jackson Redley Telephone: [phone] Email: [e-mail] Notes to Editors Established in 1908, Nichols operates within the resilient soft drinks category and owns or licenses several brands. Nichols is geographically and operationally diversified, operating across three routes to market of UK Packaged, International Packaged and Out of Home. In the UK, Nichols operates across five soft drinks sub-categories: squash, flavoured carbonates, fruit drinks, energy and flavoured water. Nichols' portfolio includes the iconic Vimto brand plus a growing portfolio of licensed brands including MyProtein, Levi Roots, ICEE and Sunkist. Under its asset-light model, Vimto is prominent in areas such as the Middle East and Africa and is enjoyed in over 60 countries worldwide.  For more information, visit the website: https://www.nicholsplc.co.uk/

 

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