Molten Ventures plc has revealed the identity of its next chair.
The investment house said Laurence Hollingworth will join as a non-executive director of the company and the chair of its board of directors from 2nd January 2024.
He will also chair the nomination committee and become a member of the remuneration committee.
Current chair Grahame Cook will resume his role as senior independent director and chair of the audit, risk and valuations committee following a handover.
Cook took over as temporary chair in January 2023 when Karen Slatford decided to retire 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. She oversaw the move to the Stock Exchange’s main market in 2021.
Hollingworth has extensive experience in the capital markets and a strong understanding of the investment environment following a 37-year career with Cazenove and latterly JP Morgan.
He is currently chair of Clarkson plc, the world’s largest shipbroker, and a non-executive director of online retail challenger bank Atom Bank plc.
“The board is delighted to welcome Laurence to Molten. Assisted by an external recruitment firm, the nomination committee has conducted a robust and extensive process to identify a candidate of Laurence’s calibre and experience to serve as a permanent successor to Karen Slatford,” said Cook.
“We look forward to him assuming responsibilities in January following a thorough induction to the business.”
Martin Davis, CEO of Molten Ventures, commented: “The executive team are looking forward to working with Laurence and benefiting from the insight and guidance his experience brings to our boardroom.
“Thanks must also go to Grahame Cook, who has diligently led the Board alongside his other responsibilities following Karen Slatford’s retirement.”
Hollingworth said: “I’m pleased to be joining a unique, listed VC and contributing to its growth ambitions, leveraging my capital markets, investment banking and leadership experience.
“I look forward to working with the Board to help the Company continue its long-term track record of successful investments for the benefit of all our shareholders.”
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