Rakon wishes to advise of the retirement of independent director Keith Watson and the appointment of Lisbeth Jacobs as an independent director, both effective from 17 March 2025.
On behalf of the Board, Chair Lorraine Witten thanks Mr Watson for his contributions and strategic guidance since his appointment in September 2018, including as Chair of the People Committee and as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee.
“Keith is a dedicated director who draws upon extensive local and international experience in the technology and engineering sectors to make valuable contributions,” says Ms Witten. “The Board respects and supports his decision to retire and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”
Mr Watson was scheduled under Rakon’s rotation plan to retire at the company’s 2024 ASM but extended his term to assist with continuity for the Board.
The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Jacobs as an independent director. Dr Jacobs is the Chief Executive of Gallagher Animal Management, and also currently an independent director of Goodnature and BRANZ.
Ms Witten says, "We are delighted to have someone of Lisbeth’s calibre joining the Board. Her depth of specialised experience at the board and management level across the technology, engineering and manufacturing sectors will make an important and complementary contribution to Rakon’s governance.
“Lisbeth has a proven track record of guiding innovative companies to grow and capture market share on a global-scale, which will be invaluable for us as we continue to push Rakon’s technological advantage and execute our growth and global transformation plans.”
At Gallagher, Dr Jacobs leads the Animal Management business with offices in New Zealand, Australia, USA, Canada, Chile and Brazil, joint ventures in Europe and South Africa, and distribution partners across Latin America and Asia. She has previously held senior leadership roles at New Zealand and international companies including Fletcher Building, UniServices, The Icehouse, and global company Bekaert in Belgium and China.
Dr Jacobs holds a PhD in Engineering from the University of Auckland, a MSc in Engineering from KULeuven (Belgium) and completed the General Management Programme at INSEAD (Paris). She is Honorary Consul of Belgium and is a Member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors.
Dr Jacobs has been appointed by the Board in accordance with Rakon's Constitution and will put herself forward for election at the next Annual Meeting of the company.
Following Mr Watson’s retirement and Dr Jacobs’ appointment the Rakon Board comprises five directors, of which three are independent Directors. The Board is continuing the process to appoint further directors.
Contact:
Investors and Media
Nick Laurent
Investor and Corporate Communications Manager
+64 21 240 7541
investors@rakon.com
