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The Board

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The Board is responsible to the Company’s shareholders for the long term success of the Company. This includes the business’s strategy, performance, investment and standards of conduct, as well as ensuring the Company acts in the best interests of its stakeholders.

The Board is also responsible for corporate governance. Specifically the Board has ultimate authority to:

Approve the annual budget and monitor performance against it

Promote a culture based on sound ethical values and behaviours

Ensure effective communication with the Group’s stakeholders

Undertake risk management activities to ensure identified risks are adequately mitigated. This includes establishing and maintaining an appropriate control environment across the Group

Approve Executive remuneration and group-wide remuneration policies

The Board currently comprises two executive and four non-executive Directors. The current directors of G&H are shown below: 

Introduction

Gary Bullard, the Non-executive Chairman of G&H, brings a wealth of experience from senior management positions at IBM, BT Group Plc and Logica Plc. He held non-executive director roles at Chloride Group Plc and Rotork Plc. Currently he also serves as the Chairman of AFC Energy Plc and is a non-executive director of Spirent Communications Plc. With a strategic and visionary approach, Gary plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of G&H.

Gary Bullard – Non-executive Chairman

Gary Bullard

Relevant skills and experience: Charlie joined Gooch & Housego Plc in September 2022 from TT Electronics Plc where he was Executive Vice-President since 2018 when TT acquired Stadium Group Plc. Charlie was CEO at Stadium, an AIM listed company, from 2013 until its acquisition by TT. Previously he was Vice President of Global Operations for Laird Plc, a FTSE 250 electronics company. Charlie has held senior roles globally in hi-tech businesses supplying into the medical, telecoms, industrial and A&D sectors.

Charlie Peppiatt, CEO of G&H

Charlie Peppiatt

Chris Jewell joined Gooch & Housego Plc as Chief Financial Officer in September 2019, bringing with him a wealth of financial expertise to the executive team. Before joining G&H, Chris served as the Group Director of Financial Control at TT Electronics Plc, Senior Vice President of Finance at Cobham Plc, and Finance Director of MBDA UK. Chris has masters degrees from Cambridge University and the London School of Economics and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. His multifaceted skill set encompasses strategy, financial management, international business, restructuring, with specialised expertise in the aerospace and defence sector.

Chris Jewell

Louise Evans, Chair of the Audit Committee, brings wide financial leadership experience to G&H. She held Group Finance Director roles at Braemar Shipping Services Plc and Williams Grand Prix Holdings Plc. A Chartered Accountant, Louise is also a non-executive director and Audit Committee Chair of AB Dynamics Plc and the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation. Louise holds a bachelor’s degree in Management Science from the University of Wales and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. With a keen focus on financial governance, Louise oversees the robustness of G&H’s financial reporting, systems and controls.

Louise Evans – Non-executive Director

Louise Evans

Jim Haynes, with over 35 years experience in the optoelectronics industry, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Material Science from the University of Wales. Jim has held senior management positions in operations, engineering, and business at Nortel Networks, Agility Communications, and Oclaro Plc. He was COO at Oclaro Plc and a non-executive director at Andor Plc. Jim is a member of the Audit, Remuneration, and Nominations Committees of the G&H Board. Additionally, he serves as the non-executive director responsible for the Board’s engagement with the workforce. Jim’s extensive industry knowledge and operational expertise contribute significantly to G&H’s strategic decisions.

Jim Haynes – Non-executive Director

Jim Haynes

Brian Phillipson, the Senior Independent Director, has extensive A&D industry experience in both Strategic and Operational roles. Previously, he held key roles within BAE Systems PLC and served as a Board Member and Business Unit MD at Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group. He also has recently worked as CTO for Lilium GmbH. Brian holds an MA (Hons) in Engineering from Cambridge University and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Aeronautical Society. Brian chairs the Remuneration Committee and is a member of the Audit and Nomination Committees of the G&H Board. His strategic insight and operational expertise contribute significantly to G&H's governance.

Brian Phillipson – Non-executive Director

Brian Phillipson

Susan Searle, Chair of the Sustainability Committee, holds an MA in Chemistry from Oxford University. A founder of Touchstone Innovations Plc, she formerly served as its CEO. Susan has broad experience on public and private company boards in engineering, healthcare, and advanced materials. Susan was formerly Non-executive Senior Independent Director and Remuneration Chair of Horizon Discovery and Benchmark Holdings Plc, both technology businesses. She also chaired two listed investment businesses - Mercia Asset Management and Schroders UK public private. Currently, she holds non-executive roles at QinetiQ Group Plc, Greenback Recycling Technologies Limited, and Bibby Line Group. Susan is the Remuneration Chair at QinetiQ and the Chair of Greenback Recycling Technologies. She is also a member of the Audit, Remuneration, and Nominations Committees of the G&H Board. Susan’s leadership in environmental, social, and governance matters ensures G&H’s commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices.

Susan Searle – Non-executive Director

Susan Searle

Gareth Crowe has been an integral part of G&H since 2014, serving as Company Secretary, Interim CFO and Group Financial Controller. Gareth is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, having qualified with PwC, and has a degree in Accounting and Finance from Exeter University. Prior to joining G&H, Gareth was a senior manager in PwC’s Transaction Services team, where he provided financial due diligence services on a wide range of global M&A deals. Gareth’s areas of expertise include financial reporting, financial controls,
taxation, corporate governance and due diligence.

Gareth Crowe, Company Secretary and Group Financial Controller

Gareth Crowe

Meet our board members

All the non-executive Directors are considered by the Board to be independent of management and free of any relationships which could materially interfere with the exercise of their independent judgement.

The Nomination Committee is responsible for approving appointments to the Board. The Board’s policy is to appoint the highest calibre individuals regardless of an individual’s background, race or gender. The Board understands and recognises the benefits that diversity can bring, and our recruitment partners are briefed on our requirements in this regard.