The Briscoe Group has appointed Andy Coupe as its new independent non-executive director effective October 1.
Coupe’s appointment follows the announcement on May 20 of Alaister Wall’s intention to retire from the board. Wall will retire from the board on September 30 but will continue as part of the senior management team until 2017.
“We are delighted Andy will be joining the board and believe his experience and skills will be of immense benefit to the group,” said Dame Rosanne Meo, Briscoe Group chair.
Coupe’s appointment follows that of Tony Batterton as an independent non-executive director in May, following the retirement of Stuart Johnstone. The appointment brings the number of independent non-executive directors to four, including existing directors Mary Devine and chairman Dame Rosanne Meo. Managing director and major shareholder Rod Duke continues as an executive director.
Meo said while the Briscoe Group board had performed well over time, it recognised the need for ongoing refreshment of the available skills, experience and perspectives.
“A key feature of good governance is for boards to consistently challenge themselves to ensure the highest level of service to the companies they serve,” she said.
“With these new appointments I am confident that the Briscoe Group Board of Directors has an excellent balance of the attributes required to meet the future needs of the business.”
Coupe is a professional director who has had more than 30 years’ experience in investment banking. With his board directorships with Farmright Ltd (which he chairs), Gentrack Group Ltd, Kingfish Ltd, Barramundi Ltd, and Marlin Global Ltd, he will become chair of the New Zealand Takeovers Panel from October 1. Coupe is also a director of Solid Energy New Zealand Ltd, and was appointed chair by the Crown in 2015 to lead the board through the restructuring that lead to a Deed of Company Arrangement and the current divestment process. Coupe is a chartered member of the Institute of Directors.
Coupe will retire as a director at the 2017 Annual Meeting but intends to seek reelection by shareholders at that time.
