Johnson Matthey Appoints New Non-Executive Director

Johnson Matthey Plc is pleased to announce the appointment of Odile Desforges as a non-executive director of the company with effect from 1st July 2013

Odile, aged 63, is currently a non-executive director of Safran SA, the French aerospace, defence and security group (listed on NYSE Euronext Paris) and of Sequana, the Paris Stock Exchange and NYSE Euronext Paris listed global paper manufacturer and distributor. 

Madame Desforges has had a long and distinguished career in the automotive industry, initially with the French Government’s Transport Research Institute and then with Renault SA and AB Volvo. She has held a number of senior executive positions in purchasing and in product planning, development and engineering, including as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Renault-Nissan Purchasing Organization (RNPO) and most recently as Executive Vice President, Engineering and Quality at Renault until her retirement in July 2012. 

Odile was appointed a Knight of the French Legion of Honour in 2009.

There are no other disclosures required in respect of Odile Desforges pursuant to Rule 9.6.13 of the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority.

Commenting on the appointment, Tim Stevenson, Chairman of Johnson Matthey, said: "I am delighted to welcome Odile Desforges to the board of Johnson Matthey as a non-executive director. Odile has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the automotive industry and I look forward to her contribution to the work of the board."