Directorate Change

Gooch & Housego PLC (AIM: GHH), the specialist manufacturer of optical components & systems, announces the appointment of Serena Lang as an Independent Non-Executive Director and Chair Designate. Serena will join the Board with immediate effect, initially as a Non-Executive Director and is expected to succeed Gary Bullard as Non-Executive Chair of the Company following an orderly transition period. A further announcement will be made in due course.

Serena has significant senior leadership and board-level experience across international industrial, engineering and technology businesses. She is currently Chair of Trifast plc, Senior Independent Director at Henry Boot plc and was previously Chair of AIM-listed Eleco plc. Earlier in her career, Serena held senior executive roles at Invensys, BP and Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, with a focus on global strategic leadership, business transformation, operational improvement, growth and digital transformation.

Louise Evans, Senior Independent Director, commented:

"We are delighted to welcome Serena to the Board as Non-Executive Director and Chair Designate. Serena brings extensive and valuable executive and non-executive experience across a range of sectors, with a strong track record in strategy, transformation, growth, public company governance, and Board leadership. Her experience as a public company Chair, including at AIM-listed Eleco plc, makes her ideally suited to guide the Board through the next phase of the Group's development.

Although he is not leaving yet, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Board, to thank Gary Bullard for his significant contribution to G&H during his eight years as Chair. His leadership, commitment and support have been highly valued by the Board, and we look forward to continuing to work with him until Serena takes over as Chair."

Serena Lang, Chair designate, commented:

"I am delighted to be joining the Board of G&H as Non-Executive Director and Chair Designate. G&H sits at the heart of a number of exciting, technology-led markets, with differentiated photonics expertise, long-standing customer relationships and a clear opportunity to build on the progress already made.

I look forward to working with Gary, Louise, my fellow Board members and the executive team to support the continued development of the Group and the delivery of its long-term strategy."

In accordance with Rule 17 and Schedule 2 (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies, Serena Lang (aged 55 years) holds/has held the following directorships/partnerships in the last five years:

Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd

Accord Bidco Limited