Karen Slatford has decided to retire as chair of Molten Ventures Plc with immediate effect for health reasons.
Slatford was appointed to the board as chair in June 2016 when the company – then known as Draper Esprit – was admitted to the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market.
It says she played a critical role in Molten’s development prior to IPO until today, including the move to the Stock Exchange’s main market in 2021.
Grahame Cook, senior independent director, has been appointed by the board as interim chair with immediate effect, in addition to his existing role as chair of the audit, risk and valuations committee.
The board will conduct a search for Slatford’s permanent successor.
“It is with regret that the board has accepted Karen’s decision to stand down as Molten’s chair,” said Cook. “She has been a stalwart since the build-up to our AIM listing in 2016 in helping guide and improve our business.
“I’d like to thank her on behalf of the board for her guidance and support over the years.”
Martin Davis, CEO, commented: “Karen will be a hard act to follow, she has provided invaluable leadership to myself, the executive team and the company as a whole, for which we are all deeply grateful.
“Her influence in growing the business to where it is today cannot be underestimated and we all wish her the very best.”