Directorate Change

Following a process led by the Nominations Committee, and supported by an independent executive search firm, the Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Noel Harwerth, OBE as an Independent Non-Executive Director of the Company with effect from 23 September 2024.

Noel is a highly experienced non-executive director who has sat on a number of boards in a variety of different sectors, including mining and finance industry companies and will bring with her a wealth of knowledge.

Noel currently serves on the boards of OSB Group Plc (as Senior Independent Director) and CAB Payments Holdings plc. Prior roles include Chair of the UK Export Finance Agency (until February 2024) and member of the Boards of the UK Department of Business and Trade, Scotia Bank Europe, Standard Life, London Metals Exchange, and Bank of England RTGS/CHAPS Board. Noel served as Chairman of Sumitomo Mitsui Bank (Europe, Middle East and Africa) from 2004 to June 2015.

From 1998 to 2004, Noel was Chief Operating Officer of Citibank International PLC in London. She was responsible for infrastructure and governance of Europe's first truly pan European bank with branches in 18 countries.

Noel was educated at the University of Texas in Austin and holds a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Texas Law School. She has both US and British citizenship.

Philip Kay, Chairman of the Board, commented:

"On behalf of the Board, I would like to welcome Noel as an Independent Non-Executive Director. The Company will greatly benefit from the wealth of experience that Noel brings including her familiarity with Japan, a key strategic growth area for the Company, from her former role as Chairman of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe

In accordance with Listing Rule 9.6.13, the following information is disclosed:

Current Directorships: OSB Group Plc, CAB Payments Holdings plc

There are no further details to be disclosed under Listing Rule 9.6.13.