Board Changes

Summary by AI BETAClose X

Synectics plc has announced several board changes as part of its transformation strategy, including the appointment of Peter Kear as Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, who brings extensive experience in scaling technology businesses and increasing market capitalization from approximately £40 million to £160 million during his tenure as CEO of Celebrus Technologies plc. Jon Kempster has been appointed Interim Chair, succeeding Bob Holt OBE, while Andrew Lockwood steps down as Non-Executive Director, with Dr Alison Vincent CBE taking over as Chair of the Remuneration Committee. These changes aim to support the Group's progression towards a more scalable, product- and partner-led business with a focus on proprietary software and recurring revenues.

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Synectics PLC
18 August 2026
 

18 August 2026

 

 

 

 

 

Synectics plc

("Synectics" or the "Company" or the "Group")

 

Board Changes

 

Synectics plc (AIM: SNX), a leader in advanced security, surveillance and operational intelligence solutions, announces the following changes to the Board as the Group continues the implementation of its 5 "P" transformation strategy.

·      Appointment of highly experienced technology and public markets executive Peter Kear as Senior Independent Non-Executive Director (SID)

·     Non-Executive Director Jon Kempster appointed Interim Chair, with Bob Holt OBE stepping down as previously announced on 18 May 2026

·    Andrew Lockwood steps down as Non-Executive Director

Appointment of Peter Kear as SID, replacing Andrew Lockwood on the Board

The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Kear as Senior Independent Non-Executive Director with immediate effect.

Peter is a highly experienced public company director of both AIM and Main Market companies with substantial experience in building, transforming and scaling technology businesses. He co-founded Celebrus Technologies plc (originally IS Solutions plc and then D4t4 Solutions plc) in 1985, initially leading sales and business development before becoming Chief Executive Officer in 2016. During his tenure as CEO, the business achieved significant growth in revenue and profitability and increased its market capitalisation from approximately £40 million to approximately £160 million before Peter stepped down in 2022.

During this period, the business also increased its focus on proprietary software, international expansion, strategic partnerships and recurring revenues. Celebrus deliberately moved from a perpetual-licence model towards a predominantly annual recurring-revenue model, alongside continued investment in product innovation and international growth.

Peter is currently Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of Franchise Brands plc, where he also chairs the Remuneration Committee and Nomination Committee.

His technology, software, commercial and public-company experience will complement the existing Board members as Synectics progresses its strategy to become a more scalable, product- and partner-led business, with increasing emphasis on proprietary software, AI-enabled operational intelligence and recurring revenues.

Regulatory disclosures in relation to the appointment of Peter Kear as required under Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules for Companies can be found at the foot of this announcement.

Concurrently, Andrew Lockwood will step down as an independent Non-Executive Director with immediate effect.

Andrew joined the Board in June 2022 and has served as Chair of the Remuneration Committee. The Board would like to thank Andrew for his contribution to the Group during his tenure and wishes him well for the future.

Dr Alison Vincent CBE, an experienced Chair of Remuneration and Nominations Committees across FTSE 250 and public sector organisations, will succeed Andrew as Chair of the Remuneration Committee with immediate effect.

Interim Chair appointment

Following the previous announcement on 18 May 2026 that Bob Holt OBE would step down as Non-Executive Chair within his notice period of six months, Jon Kempster has been appointed Interim Chair with immediate effect.

Jon joined the Board in July 2024 and has more than 25 years' experience as a public company director. He will provide continuity and stability while the process to appoint a permanent Chair continues. Jon will continue in his role as Chair of the Audit Committee during his tenure as Interim Chair.

The Board would like to thank Bob for his contribution to Synectics, particularly his support in establishing the Group's growth strategy.

Amanda Larnder, Chief Executive Officer of Synectics, commented:

"I am delighted to welcome Peter to the Synectics Board. His experience is particularly relevant to the next phase of our development. He has spent his career building and scaling technology businesses and has first-hand experience of developing proprietary software, increasing recurring revenues and delivering significant growth in shareholder value. I am looking forward to working with him as we continue to execute the transformation of Synectics to build a product-and partner-led business that can deliver scalable growth from FY27.

"I would particularly like to thank Bob for his support and contribution over the past two years. He has played an important role during a significant period of change for Synectics, including supporting the development of the strategy we are now implementing. I have personally valued his advice and support enormously.

"I would also like to thank Andrew for his contribution to the Board and wish him well for the future.

"Jon's appointment as Interim Chair provides important continuity and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him and the wider Board."

Jon Kempster, Interim Chair, commented:

"We are delivering against our strategic transformation plan to position the business for accelerated growth and I'm pleased to support the Board and management team in my new interim role as Chair.

"Peter brings highly relevant technology, commercial and listed-company experience to Synectics and his track record of building and scaling a successful technology business will be invaluable.

"On behalf of the Board, I would also like to thank Bob and Andrew for their contribution to Synectics and wish them well for the future."

Peter Kear, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, added:

"Synectics is a great business with a proven record of technology leadership within the global security and surveillance market. The Group has a clear growth strategy and exciting opportunities ahead. I am looking forward to playing my part on the Board to support the Group as we continue to deliver against our transformation plan."

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Synectics plc

Amanda Larnder, Chief Executive Officer

Paul Williams, Chief Financial Officer

email: info@synecticsplc.com

Tel: +44 (0) 114 280 2828

www.synecticsplc.com

 

 

Singer Capital Markets

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7496 3000

Jen Boorer / James Fischer / Patrick Weaver




About Synectics plc

 

Synectics plc (AIM: SNX) is a leader in advanced security and surveillance solutions that help protect people, property and assets around the world.

 

It transforms customer operations by seamlessly integrating systems, technologies, and data into a unified solution-enhancing safety, improving efficiency, and enabling smarter, faster decision-making and response capabilities.

 

With its technical expertise, decades of experience, and strong partnerships, Synectics sets itself apart by delivering innovation and service that drive real value and long-term success.

 

Find out more at www.synecticsplc.com.

 

Additional Information

The following information is being disclosed pursuant to Rule 17 and paragraph (g) of Schedule 2 of the AIM Rules for Companies.

Peter John Kear, aged 71, is, or has during the last five years been, a director or partner of the following companies and partnerships:

Current directorships / partnerships

Former directorships/partnerships within the last five years

Franchise Brands plc

Celebrus Technologies plc

Pur Sang Developments Limited

Chapter26 Limited

Pur Sang Consulting Ltd

D4T4 Solutions Limited


D4t4 Solutions Inc USA


D4t4 Solutions Plc India


Internet Service Solutions Limited


Internet Site Solutions Limited


Internet Systems Solutions Limited


IS Solutions Ltd


Magiq Limited


Prickly Cactus Limited


Speed-Trap Holdings Limited

 

As at the date of this announcement, Peter Kear does not hold any ordinary shares in the Company.

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 Peter Kear.

 

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