Smiths Group PLC
25 August 2026
25 August 2026
SMITHS GROUP PLC ("Smiths")
DIRECTORATE CHANGE
The Board of Smiths Group plc ("Smiths" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointments of Val Rahmani and Emma FitzGerald as independent Non-executive Directors. Val Rahmani will join the Board with effect from 1 October 2026, and Emma FitzGerald will join the Board with effect from 1 November 2026.
Val Rahmani is an experienced international technology executive and Non-executive Director, with over 30 years' experience across the technology and financial services sectors. She currently serves as a Non-executive Director of London Stock Exchange Group plc, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd and Entrust Corporation and previously served as a Non-executive Director at Computer Task Group, Inc and Elliott Opportunity II Corp until 2023. Earlier in her executive career, Val spent more than 25 years with IBM, holding a number of senior leadership positions, before serving as Chief Executive Officer of cyber security company Damballa. She brings significant international leadership and governance experience, with expertise in cyber security, AI, digital transformation, strategy and risk management, as well as experience of major strategic transactions and business transformation.
Dr Emma FitzGerald is an experienced international Chief Executive and Non-executive Director, with leadership and governance experience across multiple jurisdictions in plc and privately owned shareholding structures covering energy, industrials and infrastructure. She is currently a Non-executive Director of Seplat Energy plc, Newmont Corporation (NYSE) and the UK National Energy System Operator and previously served as a Non-executive Director on the Boards of Graphene Manufacturing Group and UPM Kymmene Oyi, stepping down in 2023 and 2024 respectively. Earlier in her executive career, she was Chief Executive Officer of Puma Energy International, and held executive leadership roles with Shell, National Grid and Severn Trent. She brings considerable expertise in operational leadership, customer led innovation, business transformation, energy transition, and the oversight of large, capital-intensive businesses.
Steve Williams, Chairman of Smiths, said:
"I am delighted to welcome Val and Emma to the Smiths Board. They are both highly experienced leaders and bring complementary skills, perspectives and insight that will further strengthen the Board. Their appointments reflect our commitment to maintaining a Board with a broad range of relevant expertise, international experience and diverse viewpoints. I am confident that they will make a valuable contribution as we continue to focus on delivering our strategic priorities and creating long-term value."
Committee memberships
The Board has reviewed Committee composition and agreed the following changes:
· Laurence Mulliez and Val Rahmani will join the Audit & Risk Committee with effect from 1 September and 1 October 2026 respectively. Pam Cheng will step down from the Committee with effect from 1 October 2026.
· Emma FitzGerald will join the Nomination & Governance Committee with effect from 1 November 2026, at which point Alister Cowan will step down from the Committee.
In accordance with UK Listing Rule 9.6.13R, there are no matters requiring disclosure in relation to Val Rahmani or Emma FitzGerald.
Legal Entity Identifier (LEI): 213800MJL6IPZS3ASA11
Enquiries:
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Investor enquiries Siobhán Andrews +44 (0)7920 230093 |
Media enquiries Tom Steiner +44 (0) 7787 415891 |
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Ana Pita da Veiga +44 (0)7386 689442 |
Lucy Glover, Director of Governance +44 (0) 207 004 1665 |
About Smiths
For 175 years, we have been pioneers of progress, engineering a better future. Our strategy is to be a focused, efficient and value creating industrial engineering company operating in the attractive and growing market segments of flow control, thermal solutions, construction and aerospace.
We focus on solving the toughest problems for our customers, helping address critical global needs such as decarbonisation and the ever-increasing demand for process and energy efficiency.
We are pioneers of progress. Engineering a better future, we drive efficiency for customers in mission-critical situations.
We are united by our purpose. It is what we do, how we think, and how we will continue to use our passion for innovative engineering. For more information visit www.smiths.com.
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