Non-Executive Director Changes
Nichols PLC announced the appointment of Laura Padfield as an Independent Non-Executive Director, effective September 1, 2026, succeeding Helen Keays who will step down on August 31, 2026, after nine years. Ms. Padfield brings extensive leadership experience from consumer-facing businesses, including roles at IVC Evidensia, Marks and Spencer, and Tesco, with expertise in strategy, customer experience, and operations. She will also chair the Remuneration Committee and serve on the Audit and Nominations Committees, strengthening the board's capabilities as the company pursues its growth strategy.
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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.
Cleaned text: letterheads, contacts and legal notices removed. View the original announcement ↗ · Company filings. Not investment advice.