Synectics plc (AIM: SNX), a leader in advanced security and surveillance systems, is pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Larnder, currently interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as its Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.

Following the sudden passing of Paul Webb, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer, in late August 2024, Amanda has been instrumental in ensuring that the Company continues its positive growth trajectory in what has been a difficult period for the Company and its employees.

After a period of evaluation, led by Bob Holt, Synectics’ Non-Executive Chair, the Board unanimously agreed to Amanda’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer. Amanda has been Synectics’ Chief Financial Officer since July 2022 when she rejoined the Company and has over 16 years’ experience in leadership roles, including within Synectics.

Amanda will continue to oversee the Company’s finance and administrative functions until her replacement as Chief Financial Officer is appointed, the search for which is underway. The Company will release further announcements on this process as appropriate.

Award of Options
Upon her appointment, Amanda has been granted options over, in aggregate, 1,000,000 ordinary shares of 20 pence each in the Company under a new long term incentive plan, which vest on a straight-line basis based on share price performance from £2.90 (0% vesting) to £6 (100% vesting) and are exercisable from 30 November 2027. The options are exercisable at 20 pence per share. This new plan, the Executive Growth Plan, has been set up by the Company’s Non-Executive Directors, who consider that it will help to drive long-term sustainable growth and build shareholder value. The vesting date of the options which were awarded in late April 2024 to Bob Holt upon his appointment as Non-Executive Chair has been extended to align with this award.

The award of the options set out above to Amanda Larnder and the extension of the vesting date of Bob Holt’s existing options, in aggregate, is deemed to be a related party transaction pursuant to the AIM Rules for Companies (the “Related Party Transaction”). The independent Directors of the Company, being Dr Alison Vincent CBE, Andrew Lockwood and Jon Kempster, consider, having consulted with the Company’s nominated adviser, Shore Capital and Corporate Limited, that the Related Party Transaction is fair and reasonable so far as the shareholders of the Company are concerned.

Bob Holt, Non-Executive Chair of Synectics, commented:
“On behalf of the Board, I am delighted that Amanda has been appointed as the Company’s permanent Chief Executive Officer, after what has been a challenging period for everyone at Synectics. Not only has Amanda provided both stability and strength, but her knowledge of, enthusiasm and strategic vision for Synectics have been central in this decision.The Board and I look forward to continuing to work closely with Amanda as we focus on implementing our strategy, ultimately delivering growth to all stakeholders.”

For further information, please contact:

Synectics plc
Amanda Larnder, CEO and CFO
Claire Stewart, Company Secretary
Tel: +44 (0) 114 280 2828
info@synecticsplc.com

Shore Capital
Tom Griffiths / David Coaten / Rachel Goldstein
Fiona Conroy – Corporate Broking
Tel: +44 (0) 207 408 4090

Vigo Consulting
Jeremy Garcia / Fiona Hetherington / Peter Jacob
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7390 0230
synectics@vigoconsulting.com