Business
Directorate change
Helical PLC announced that Richard Cotton will step down as Board Chair at the end of April 2026, having overseen the company's revised strategy in 2024 and the appointment of its current executive leadership. Robert Fowlds will succeed him as independent Non-Executive Chair from 1 May 2026, also taking on the role of Chair of the Nominations Committee. Fowlds, who joined the board as an independent Non-Executive Director on 8 February 2024, brings extensive experience in real estate and corporate finance. Following these changes, the Helical Board will comprise four independent Non-Executive Directors, including the Chair, and two Executive Directors, with ongoing reviews for further non-executive appointments. Disclaimer*
About this update from Helical Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n\n\n25 March 2026\nHELICAL PLC\n(\"Helical\" or the \"Company\")\nAppointment of new independent Non-Executive Board Chair\n\n \nToday, the Company announces that Richard Cotton is standing down as Board Chair, Nominations Committee Chair and Director of the Company with effect from the end of April. During his tenure, Richard oversaw the Company's revised strategy in 2024 and appointment of its current Executive leadership team.\nThe Company is pleased to announce that, following a recruitment process led by a specially convened Nominations Committee and advised by external search consultancy firm MWM Consulting, the Board has appointed Robert Fowlds as independent Non-Executive Chair with effect from 1 May 2026. In addition to assuming the role of Board Chair, Robert will also become Chair of the Nominations Committee and step down from the Audit and Risk Committee. He will remain a member of the Remuneration Committee. Robert will have completed a comprehensive handover with Richard prior to his appointment.\nRobert Fowlds joined the Board as an independent Non-Executive Director on 8 February 2024 and his biography is available on the Company's website. Robert has extensive experience in real estate and corporate finance and is an accomplished non-executive director with a strong understanding of stakeholder relations.\nRichard Cotton said:\n\"It has been a privilege to be part of Helical since 2016 and to contribute to the way in which the business has addressed a number of major challenges over this period.\n\"During my time as Chair, we have strategically repositioned the Group, providing an exciting platform to take advantage of opportunities in the future.\n\"I am pleased to be leaving the business in Robert's capable hands and I am confident that he has the skills and experience to support the next stage of the Group's strategy, focused on harvesting the returns from our well timed development programme.\"\nMatthew Bonning-Snook commented:\n\"I am delighted that Robert has agreed to succeed Richard as Chair and I am very much looking forward to working with him in that capacity. On behalf of the Board, I would also like to thank Richard for the significant and invaluable contribution he has made to Helical, first as an independent non-executive director and then as Chair.\"\nRobert Fowlds said:\n\"I am hon...