Helical has announced that Richard Cotton is standing down as board chair, nominations committee chair and director of the company, with effect from the end of April.
The company has appointed Robert Fowlds as independent non-executive chair and chair of the nominations committee with effect from 1 May 2026.
Fowlds (pictured), who joined the board as an independent non-executive director in 2024, will step down from Helical’s audit and risk committee, but will remain a member of the remuneration committee.
Cotton said: “It has been a privilege to be part of Helical since 2016 and to contribute to the way in which the business has addressed a number of major challenges over this period. During my time as chair, we have strategically repositioned the group, providing an exciting platform to take advantage of opportunities in the future. I am pleased to be leaving the business in Robert’s capable hands and I am confident that he has the skills and experience to support the next stage of the group’s strategy, focused on harvesting the returns from our well timed development programme.”
Matthew Bonning-Snook, CEO of Helical, added: “I am delighted that Robert has agreed to succeed Richard as chair and I am very much looking forward to working with him in that capacity. On behalf of the board, I would also like to thank Richard for the significant and invaluable contribution he has made to Helical, first as an independent non-executive director and then as chair.”
Fowlds said: “I am honoured to be taking on the role of board chair at an exciting time for the business. I believe that there are significant opportunities for the group ahead and I am looking forward to working with the board and wider management team to continue to deliver on the group’s strategy.”
