WPHO Windar Photonics Plc

The information contained within this announcement is deemed to constitute inside information as stipulated under the retained EU law version of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 (the "UK MAR") which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. The information is disclosed in accordance with the Company's obligations under Article 17 of the UK MAR. Upon the publication of this announcement, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

14 February 2024

Windar Photonics plc

("Windar" or the "Company")

Directorate Changes

Windar Photonics plc (AIM: WPHO), the technology group that has developed a cost efficient and innovative LiDAR wind sensor for use on electricity generating wind turbines, announces that after having been a member of the Board of Directors of the company since 2014, Johan Blach Petersen will step down from the board of directors at this year's AGM.

The Company is very pleased to announce that Gavin Manson (aged 57) has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Company with immediate effect and his particular focus will be on advising and contributing to the finance function. Gavin is currently CFO of agriculture and engineering group Carr's Group plc and is a Non-Executive Director of healthcare group Meallmore Ltd. He was previously Chairman of Hostmore plc and between 2016 and 2022 was Chief Financial and Operating Officer of Electra Private Equity PLC having previously held senior finance positions in a number of listed companies including Thomas Cook Group plc, Premier Farnell plc and Merck KGaA.

Davis Lis, Chairman of Windar, commented: "We are very grateful for Johan's service to the Company both as Chairman and a Non-Executive Director during the past 10 years and, on behalf of the Company, I would like to express our sincere thanks for all he has brought to Windar. I am delighted that Gavin has agreed to join the Board. I worked with Gavin for a number of years at both Electra Private Equity and Hostmore Group and feel sure that his expertise will be a significant benefit to Windar." 

The following information is disclosed pursuant to Schedule Two paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies. Gavin Manson has confirmed that there are no further disclosures required.

At the time of this announcement Gavin Manson holds no shares the Company.

A list of Mr Manson's current directorships and partnerships together with those held within the last five years is set out below:

In addition, Mr. Manson has been a director of Beaconsfield Footwear Limited since 18 October 2022, which appointed administrators on 18 July 2023. The approval of the administrators proposal has been received and preferential and secured creditors will be paid where funds allow. The current estimated total deficiency with regards to unsecured creditors is £11.7m and the company is seeking to recover a substantial repayment through a Covid-19 Business Interruption Insurance claim.

About Windar Photonics

Windar Photonics is a technology group that develops cost-efficient and innovative Light Detection and Ranging ("LiDAR") optimisation systems for use on electricity generating wind turbines. LiDAR wind sensors in general are designed to remotely measure wind speed and direction.