Press Release | 15 December 2011 |
DATONG PLC
("DATONG" or "the Company")
Appointment of Chief Executive Officer
DATONG PLC (DTE.L), a leading provider of covert intelligence gathering solutions, is pleased to announce that Mark Cook has been appointed to the Board as Chief Executive Officer. He takes up the position on Monday, 9 January 2012.
Mark, aged 50, has 28 years of director level experience successfully developing high technology defence and security businesses in the UK and international markets, including positions based in Australia and France. His extensive experience includes initiating and implementing strategic and operational plans to increase growth, improve profitability and manage major change programmes.
Mark was formerly Founder, Group Managing Director and Non-Executive Director of Persides Limited, a technology and products business with its main markets in defence, aerospace, nuclear and security. Whilst at Persides, Mark established the technology and products division to develop innovative surveillance technology for the defence and security markets.
Prior to this, he was Managing Director of Joint & C4ISR1, a division of Thales, an international company specialising in electronic systems and services for the defence, aerospace and IT markets. The Joint & C4ISR Division had a turnover of £50 million, a headcount of 300 covering the business areas of EW (Electronic Warfare) and ELINT (Electronics Intelligence) amongst others. Mark has also held Director positions at Racal, a major UK company, specialising in electronic systems for the defence, industrial and telecommunications markets.
Brian Smith currently interim Chief Executive Officer will revert to his position as a Non-Executive Director on Monday, 9 January 2012.
Commenting on the appointment, Brian Smith, interim Chief Executive Officer of DATONG said: "Mark brings significant experience of successfully developing high technology and surveillance products within our core markets of defence and security in both the UK and international markets. We are delighted that he is joining the Board and his expertise will be invaluable as DATONG continues to drive its global strategy forward."
There is no information in relation to Mr. Cook's appointment required pursuant to Schedule 2 paragraph (g) of the AIM rules for Companies other than as follows:
Mr. Cook holds, or has held, the following directorships in the last five years:
Current Directorships |
IExD Ltd |
Persides Holdings Ltd |
Persides Consultancy Services Ltd |
Previous Directorships |
Persides Technology Ltd |
Persides Ltd |
During his time as a Director of Persides Limited, the business was put into administration. This action has been satisfactorily resolved with the assets being sold and with no action taken against Mr Cook or Persides Limited. Persides Limited was dissolved on 1 December 2011.
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Enquiries:
DATONG PLC | Tel: +44 (0) 113 239 5350 |
Brian Smith, interim Chief Executive Officer Stephen Ayres, Finance Director |
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Nominated adviser and broker
Canaccord Genuity | Tel: +44 (0) 207 050 6500 |
Simon Bridges / Kit Stephenson |
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Media enquiries
Notes to Editors
DATONG PLC provides a range of advanced high performance covert intelligence gathering solutions, supplying defence, homeland security and law enforcement agencies around the world. Intelligence strength continues to play an increasingly central role within governmental agencies and police forces, supporting the fight against terrorism and organised crime.
DATONG is headquartered in Leeds, United Kingdom and employs 95 staff. The Group has a wholly owned subsidiary in the United States, DATONG Electronics Inc., with a sales and service office in Chantilly, Virginia. DATONG's proprietary products (as well as Third Party products) are sold internationally into more than 37 countries using both the Group's direct sales force and a network of independent overseas distributors.
DATONG (DTE.L) listed on the AIM market in London in October 2005 and is included in the FTSE Electronic Equipment sector. Group revenue for the 12 months to 30 September 2010 increased 80% to £14.06 million (2009: £7.82 million).
Further information on DATONG PLC can be found at www.datong.co.uk
