Business
Directorate change
RWS Holdings plc announced that Chairman Julie Southern and Senior Independent Director David Clayton will step down from the Board on December 31, 2025. Southern's tenure saw the strengthening of the Board with new executive and non-executive appointments, supporting the development of the company's new AI-led strategy. Clayton is departing after 16 years of service. Andrew Brode and Gordon Stuart will serve as interim Chairman and interim SID, respectively, while a search for Southern's successor is conducted. The company expressed gratitude for their contributions during a pivotal time of strategic development and leadership transition. Disclaimer*
About this update from Rws Holdings Plc
11 December 2025 RWS Holdings plc Directorate Change RWS Holdings plc ("RWS", the "Company"), a global AI solutions company, today announces that Julie Southern, Chairman and David Clayton, Senior Independent Director ("SID"), have informed the Board of their intention to step down as Chairman and SID respectively and as directors of the Company . During her tenure, Julie has overseen the strengthening of the Board with the appointments of Paul Abbott and Graham Cooke which extended the Board to five independent non-executive directors alongside appointing, and transitioning to, new executive leadership and supporting the development of the Group's new strategy. With this strengthened Board in place, David Clayton has decided to step down following his 16 years as a Board member of SDL and RWS. Julie and David will step down with effect from 31 December 2025. Andrew Brode and Gordon Stuart become interim Chairman and interim SID respectively, whilst a search for a successor for Julie is undertaken. The outcome of that process will be announced in due course. Julie Southern, Chairman, said: "Having joined the Board at a pivotal time in the Group's development, RWS now has an exciting AI-led strategy in place, led by a new technology-focused CEO and supported by a strengthened Board. With these firm foundations in place, it is a good time to hand the reins over to a new Chair as RWS embarks on its next chapter." Benjamin Faes, Chief Executive Officer, said: "Our thanks go to Julie and David for their significant contributions to RWS, including for their strong support and counsel during my first year as CEO and at an important time for the Group. Following the launch of our new strategy in June, we now have our new organisational structure and strengthened management team in place, supported by deep expertise across our Board, as we execute on the growth plan which we have outlined in more detail today." For further information, please contact: RWS Holdings plc Benjamin Faes, Chief Executive Officer 01628 410100 MHP (Financial PR Adviser) Katie Hunt / Eleni Menikou [email protected] 020 3128 8100 07884 494112 Deutsche Numis (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker) Stuart Skinner / William Wickham 020 7260 1000 Berenberg (Joint Broker) Ben Wright / Toby Flaux / Mike Burke / Milo Bonser 020 3207 7800 About RWS: RWS is a global AI solutions company empowering the world's most trusted enterprise AI. Our proprietary Cultural Intelligence Layer, powered by 250,000 data specialists, cultural and language experts and deep domain professionals, backed by 45+ patents, makes enterprise AI culturally fluent, contextually accurate and secure, ensuring every interaction reflects a brand's tone, context and customer values. Through our Generate, Transform and Protect segments, we deliver intelligent content, enterprise knowledge, large-scale localisation and IP protection for global growth. Trusted by 80+ of the world's top 100 brands, RWS provides the confidence, governance and expertise organisations need to deploy AI safely, responsibly and at scale. Headquartered in the UK, RWS is listed on AIM (RWS.L). For further information, please visit: www.rws.com .