Tirupati Graphite PLC (LSE:TGR, OTCQX:TGRHF) has proposed the appointment of experienced small-cap director Michael Lynch-Bell as non-executive chairman of the company.
Lynch-Bell spent 38 years with Ernst & Young where he led its Global Oil and Gas, UK IPO, and Global Oil and Gas and Mining transaction advisory practices. Since then he has held board positions at a number of listed groups.
Currently, he is a non-exec chairman of AIM and TSX-listed Serabi Gold (AIM:SRB, TSX:SBI); a non-executive at Gem Diamonds; and an independent non-executive chairman of ASX-listed Little Green Pharma.
Before that, he had been the senior independent non-executive director of FTSE 250 miner KAZ Minerals.
If appointed, Lynch-Bell will be closely involved in all company efforts to enhance its corporate governance, including oversight of the programme to recruit additional independent directors, said the stamen from Tirupati.
Lynch-Bell’s appointment is conditional upon the current board remaining in place after a general meeting of shareholders on 11 June 2024, where resolutions to replace most of the current board have been tabled.
Current executive chair and managing director Shishir Poddar will retain the position of chief executive if Lynch-Bell is appointed, Tirupati added.
Poddar commented: "We are delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Lynch-Bell as non-executive chairman.
“This demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the board composition with wholly independent, highly experienced, and appropriately skilled operators.
“Michael's significant experience as an independent director at several large-scale and growing mining businesses, combined with his strong background with EY, provides the company with access to vital skills and experience.
Lynch-Bell said: "I am extremely excited at the opportunity to be joining the Board of Tirupati Graphite. The company's underlying investment case is strong.
"Long-term growing demand for critical commodities such as graphite, which support the clean energy transition, is unquestionable.”