OXFORD: Oxford Instruments plc announced the appointment of Alison Wood as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

Subject to the approval of shareholders at the AGM, she will be joining the Board on 8 September 2020 and will become a member of the Company’s remuneration, nomination and audit and risk committees from the same date.

Alison has wide experience in strategic planning, business development and M&A across a variety of sectors and sits on and leads a number of remuneration committees.  She holds a BA in Engineering, Economics and Management from the University of Oxford and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Alison has previously held various leadership roles in business development and strategy in BAE Systems plc and was the Global Director of Strategy and Corporate Development at National Grid. Alison is a highly experienced non-executive director and committee chair.  She is currently a non-executive director and remuneration committee chair of TT Electronics Plc and Costain Group PLC and a non-executive director of Cairn Energy PLC and the British Standards Institute (non-listed).  She was previously a non-executive director at e2V plc and Cobham plc.

Neil Carson, Chairman of Oxford Instruments, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alison to the Board in September.  She brings with her a wealth of executive and non-executive board experience with an understanding of engineering, technology and industrial markets. She has a proven track record of helping companies deliver on their strategic plans, and I believe she will make a valuable contribution as we continue to execute our growth agenda.”

Ian Barkshire, Chief Executive of Oxford Instruments, said: “Alison’s experience in highly respected international businesses will be a great asset.  She brings with her sound technical understanding and I know that we will benefit from her strategic insight.  We look forward to working with her on the Board.”

Oxford Instruments designs, supplies and supports high-technology tools and systems with a focus on research and industrial applications. Innovation has been the driving force behind Oxford Instruments’ growth and success for 60 years, supporting its core purpose to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.