Business
Appointment of Senior Independent Director
Man Group plc announced that Laurie Fitch will succeed Richard Berliand as Senior Independent Director in Q1 2026, following a rigorous selection process. Fitch joined the Board as a Non-Executive Director in June 2023 and has since chaired the Remuneration Committee. Berliand, who was initially expected to step down in Q4 2025, will continue as Non-Executive Director and SID until Q1 2026 due to Fitch experiencing a short-term health condition, ensuring a smooth transition. The Board has confirmed Berliand's continued independence despite his tenure exceeding nine years. Disclaimer*
About this update from Man Group Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n\nMan Group plc\nAppointment of Senior Independent Director\nMan Group plc (the Company) announces that Laurie Fitch will succeed Richard Berliand as Senior Independent Director (SID) in Q1 2026. The appointment follows a robust and rigorous process undertaken by the Nomination and Governance Committee and Board. \nLaurie joined the Board as a Non-Executive Director in June 2023 and became Chair of the Remuneration Committee in September 2023. She is also a member of the Audit and Risk Committee and Nomination and Governance Committee. The Board believes that Laurie is an excellent candidate for the SID role given her background in the industry and her strong corporate governance experience. \nThe Company had previously disclosed that Richard intended to step down from the Board in Q4 2025. However, he has agreed to continue as a Non-executive Director and as SID until Q1 next year in light of specific circumstances relating to the timing of Laurie's appointment.\nUnfortunately, Laurie has experienced a short-term, but acute health condition since early October 2025. She has continued to fully discharge her duties as a director during this time and is expected to make a full recovery over the next few months. However, as a precaution, and to ensure that Laurie is well positioned to take on the SID role, the Board has asked Richard to remain as a Non-executive Director and as SID until Q1 next year. \nAs Richard has been a Non-executive Director of the Company for over nine years, the Board has rigorously reviewed his independence and role, taking account of the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code, and is fully satisfied that he remains independent in character and judgement.\nCommenting on Laurie's appointment as SID, Anne Wade, Chair of the Board said:\n\"The Board is delighted that Laurie has agreed to take on the role of SID. We have already benefited significantly from her experience and independent perspective since she joined the Board in 2023, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with Laurie in her new role. We are also extremely grateful to Richard for agreeing to remain on the Board and as SID until Q1 next year to ensure there is smooth transition to Laurie.\"\nThe Company will confirm the date on which Laurie is appointed as SID and Richard's departure da...