Microsoft Word - QHL - MD appointment v5 16 Feb 15

ASX/Media Release 18 February, 2015

David Marino begins as Managing Director Sydney, 18 February 2015- The Board of Quickstep Holdings (ASX: QHL), the manufacturer of high‐grade carbon‐ fibre components for the aerospace and automotive industries, today at its meeting confirmed the appointment of Mr David Marino as Managing Director. Mr Marino began as Chief Executive Officer on 16 February 2015. With the appointment, Mr Tony Quick relinquishes his interim executive role and resumes as his only role, that of independent Non‐Executive Chairman.

David Marino was previously chief operating officer of Futuris Automotive Group, which designs and manufactures automotive interior solutions for major original equipment manufacturers globally including Ford, General Motors and Tesla. As chief operating officer of Futuris, David led a team of 1,600 people, with direct reports including heads of various international business units and senior operational executives, and was responsible for businesses turning over more than $400 million annually across Australia, Thailand and the US.
Quickstep's Chairman, Tony Quick, said: "We are delighted to welcome David formally to the Board. He brings to Quickstep the experience of a very strong operational background, strategic vision, as well as great strength in manufacturing, both locally and internationally and of course, the global automotive industry."
On the appointment David Marino added: "I am excited to be joining Quickstep at this time of growth as the company continues its transition into production. Carbon fibre has a revolutionary role to play as industries seek ways to reduce fuel consumption, and there is a tremendous opportunity to capitalise on Quickstep's innovative technologies for the aerospace and automotive industries."
"It is great to be leading such a dedicated team that is already delivering impressive results and is so committed to working closely with customers to achieve even further success."

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Background on Quickstep Holdings Limited

Quickstep Holdings (ASX:QHL) is a manufacturer of advanced carbon fibre composites for the aerospace and defence and automotive industries. The company operates state‐of‐the‐art manufacturing facilities at Bankstown Airport in Sydney, Australia, and has offices in Germany and the United States.
Quickstep is an approved supplier for the international F‐35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program ‐ the largest military aerospace program in the world, valued in excess of US$300 billion worldwide. To date, more than
93 JSF aircraft have been delivered to the US Department of Defense, and this number is now expected to grow rapidly. The company has also been selected by Lockheed Martin as the sole supplier of composite wing flaps for the C‐130J "Hercules" military transport aircraft. Quickstep is currently partnering with some of the world's largest aerospace/defence organisations, including the US Department of Defense, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Airbus.
Quickstep is also developing patented manufacturing technologies to produce high‐volume A‐grade finished composite components for automotives and specialist thick parts such as spars and wing skins for large defence and commercial aircraft. The company is currently working to qualify its patented Quickstep Process for the F‐35, and is also conducting a major research and development program with car maker Audi aimed at delivering high‐ quality finish, low cost, fast processing of carbon fibre composite, together with specialised resins, particularly adapted to the automotive industry.

For further information:

Investors Media

David Marino - Managing Director Ashley Rambukwella / Robert Williams
Quickstep Holdings Limited Financial & Corporate Relations
Telephone: +61‐2 9774 0300 Telephone: +61 2 8264 1004 / 0407 231 282
E: dmarino@quickstep.com.auor +61 2 8264 1003 / 0468 999 369
or visit www.quickstep.com.auE: a.rambukwella@fcr.com.auor r.williams@fcr.com.au
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