Board Changes

24 October 2023 

Gattaca plc

("Gattaca", the "Group")

Board Changes

Gattaca, the specialist staffing solutions business, announces the following Board changes which will take effect immediately following the Group's AGM to be held on the 6 December 2023.

Richard Bradford to succeed Patrick Shanley as Independent Non-Executive Chair

Patrick Shanley, who has been independent Non-Executive Chair of Gattaca since December 2015, has decided to step down from the Board and he will be replaced by Richard Bradford as Independent Non-Executive Chair immediately following the AGM.

Richard has extensive experience in solutions and services businesses, both in the UK and USA.  He was Chief Executive of AIM quoted Carlisle Group from 1997 to 2008, up to and including its merger with Corporate Services Group to create Impellam Group.  Richard was previously Chief Executive of LPM Group, a private equity backed mid-market group of facilities management investments and began his career with Exel Logistics (now DHL).  He is currently chairman of UK based InHealth Group, a leading provider of diagnostics and imaging services, a partner at InHealth Ventures, a London-based transatlantic early-stage digital healthcare fund and deputy chair of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network.

Richard was previously a Non-Executive Director at Gattaca, having originally been appointed in 2011.  Since stepping down from the Board in December 2020, he has had no involvement with the business, nor has he previously worked directly with the Group's current Executive directors.  As such, the Board have concluded it appropriate that Richard be considered independent.

George Materna, founder and largest shareholder, to step down from the Board

George Materna, the Group's founder and largest shareholder, has decided to retire from the Board and will step down at the AGM.  George founded the business nearly 40 years ago and has made a major contribution to the Group.  George has been a Non-Executive Director on the Board for over 15 years. He has stated his intention to retain his existing shareholding in the Group.

Ros Haith to step down from the Board

In addition, as the number of non-independent members of the Board will reduce following George Materna's retirement the decision has been taken to further streamline the Board's composition.  Accordingly, Ros Haith, who joined the Board in 2021, will step down at the AGM.

This refresh to the Board composition takes place alongside the ongoing implementation of the business transformation plan, focused on developing the Group's four key strategic priorities.  Following implementation of these changes, the Board will comprise Matthew Wragg and Oliver Whittaker as CEO and CFO respectively, David Lawther and Tracey James as Independent Non-Executive Directors and led by Richard Bradford as Independent Non-Executive Chair.

Commenting Patrick Shanley, Chair, said:

"Last year we accelerated the changes at Board level with the appointment of Matt Wragg as CEO and Oliver Whitaker as CFO.  We were able to do so as succession planning was at the core of our Nomination Committee strategy.  Both have settled very well into their roles and are one of the main reasons we feel that now is the right time to reshape the Board to reflect what is required for the next stage of the Group's development. Passing on the baton is never easy, but in Richard we have someone who both knows the business well and can bring a fresh perspective.

"Having founded the business nearly 40 years ago, George felt that as he turned 70, and given his confidence in the Executives, it was a timely opportunity to step down. He has made an outstanding contribution to the business over a very long time. During my time on the Board he has always been supportive and constructive and acted in the interest of all shareholders. He will be sorely missed.

"Lastly, we wish to thank Ros Haith who will also step down at the AGM. Ros has shown her sales pedigree and made a significant contribution to Board discussions. We wish her well in her future endeavours."

Commenting, Richard Bradford, said:

"I am delighted to be re-joining Gattaca. Since my previous association with the Group several years ago, I get a strong sense of progress in systems, people and culture that represent the key ingredients for success.

"Notwithstanding the cyclical nature of the overall staffing sector, the Group is well placed to grow in the STEM markets it serves.

"I look forward to playing my part in helping to deliver future performance and development.  I would  like to thank Patrick for his contribution to shaping the Group over the past eight years, whilst George's legacy and foundation will never be forgotten. I wish them both well for the future."

Commenting, George Materna, said;

"I founded the business in 1984 and now my primary reason for retiring is that the Board and current management look to be an elite winning team that is restoring and improving on the previously successful culture.

"Working alongside some outstanding people who have contributed to and been important to the success and longevity of the business has been truly fantastic, I thank them all.

"As stated, I will retain my significant shareholding and I look forward to a promising future for the business and the people in it."

The following disclosures are required regarding the appointment of Richard James Bradford, aged 60, pursuant to Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules for Companies:

There are no further disclosures required to be made in respect of the appointment under Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules for Companies.

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Group to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014. Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

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