LONDON, UK: De La Rue plc, the British banknote and security printing company, has announced the appointment of Clive Whiley as its new non-executive chairman of the board, effective immediately.

Clive Whiley is a veteran business leader with 40 years of experience in various industries and geographies, and has held several governance positions in regulated and listed companies. He is currently the chairman of Mothercare plc, the global retailer for parents and young children, and the senior independent non-executive director of Griffin Mining Limited and Sportech plc, both involved in the gaming sector. He was also the former chairman of Dignity plc, the UK’s largest provider of funeral services, and a former non-executive director of several other companies.

Clive Whiley has a reputation for successfully navigating challenging operational, financial and regulatory circumstances. He was instrumental in transforming Mothercare into an internationally-focused brand business, and in leading Dignity through the Covid-19 pandemic that affected 12 per cent of the UK funeral market.

The board of De La Rue said that Clive Whiley’s extensive experience and skills are what the company needs to guide its future growth. De La Rue is a global leader in banknote and security printing, with operations in over 140 countries. The company has recently faced some difficulties, such as losing its contract to print UK passports to a French rival, and being fined for breaching sanctions in South Sudan.

Nick Bray, who served as the interim chairman of De La Rue since Kevin Loosemore’s resignation on 1 May 2023, will resume his role as a non-executive director and chairman of the audit committee.

Margaret Rice-Jones, the senior independent director of De La Rue, welcomed Clive Whiley to the board and praised his leadership qualities. Clive Whiley said he was delighted to join De La Rue and eager to help the management team in optimising the value of the business.

Mike Cuthbert appointed Chairman of Oberon Investments Group