IMI : announces non-executive director changes

IMI plc ('IMI' or 'the Group'), the specialist engineering group, announces the appointment of Ross McInnes as a Non-Executive Director and as Chairman-elect of the Audit Committee, succeeding Phil Bentley who is stepping down from the Board following his appointment earlier this year as Chief Executive of Cable & Wireless Communications plc based in Miami.

Ross McInnes (60), who will join the Board on 1 October 2014, has over 30 years' finance experience.   Currently he is Deputy Chief Executive of Safran SA, the international aerospace, defence and security group, which he joined in 2009 as Chief Financial Officer.  Previously he held a number of senior finance roles including Chief Financial Officer of PPR, the French luxury group and Chief Financial Officer of Thales, the aerospace and defence business.

Following an orderly transition of Audit Committee responsibilities, Phil Bentley will step down as Chairman of the Audit Committee and from the Board on 31 December 2014.

Roberto Quarta, Chairman of IMI commented:

"We are very pleased that Ross is joining the Board and becoming chair of the Audit Committee.  His considerable financial expertise, together with the knowledge and experience he has acquired working in large international companies that operate in global markets, will be of great value as we continue to drive growth across the Group.

"On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Phil for the significant contribution he has made as Chairman of the Audit Committee and as a member of the Board during the last two years.  We wish him well for the future."

In addition to his role as deputy chief executive of Safran SA, Ross is a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit committee at Faurecia SA, the automotive equipment supplier and Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of Eutelsat Communications SA, the commercial satellite operator.  There is no other information concerning Ross McInnes which requires notification under LR 9.6 13R of the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority.

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About IMI
IMI plc, the specialist engineering company, designs, manufactures and services highly engineered products that control the precise movement of fluids.  Its innovative technologies, built around valves and actuators, enable vital processes to operate safely, cleanly, efficiently and cost effectively.  The Group works with industrial customers across a range of high growth sectors, including energy, transportation and infrastructure, all of which are benefiting from the impact of long-term global trends including climate change, urbanisation, resource scarcity and an ageing population.  IMI employs over 12,000 people, has manufacturing facilities in more than 20 countries and operates a global service network.  The Company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE100.  Further information is available at www.imiplc.com.