19 March 2024 - Oxford Metrics plc (LSE: OMG), the smart sensing and software company servicing life sciences, entertainment and engineering markets, is pleased to announce that Zoe Fox is to be appointed as the Group’s CFO effective from 1 July 2024.

David Deacon, the current CFO, informed the Board of his desire to move away from a full-time executive role to pursue family and other interests once the right successor had been found. David will work closely with Zoe when she assumes her role to deliver a smooth and orderly transition process over the coming months.

Zoe Fox joins Oxford Metrics from AIM listed FireAngel Safety Technology plc where she has been its Chief Finance Officer since 2021. Zoe brings a wealth of international and manufacturing experience having worked both as an AIM CFO and within international corporations. Prior to her appointment as CFO of FireAngel, from 2010 she held the position of Finance Director with responsibilities for running and improving finance operations. Before that Zoe worked for Jarden Corporation, a US-based business, where she managed the BRK Brands business in Europe, as Finance Director (2006 - 2010) and Financial Controller (2003-2006) and Coleman UK as Financial Controller (2001 – 2003). She qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2004.

Roger Parry, Non-Executive Chair, said: “On behalf of shareholders and Oxford Metrics I want to express great thanks to David Deacon who has done an outstanding job as our CFO since 2008. Over the last 15 years, Oxford Metrics has grown and prospered and under his leadership, has earned a justified reputation for prudent financial management and accurate reporting. David has been at the heart of our M&A activity, most recently overseeing the transformative disposal of Yotta and our recent entry into smart manufacturing with the acquisition of Industrial Vision Systems. David leaves us with a very strong balance sheet and in a solid position to pursue many exciting opportunities. We wish him all the best.

“I am delighted to welcome Zoe Fox to Oxford Metrics. Zoe joins us having worked as both an AIM CFO and within a global corporation. She has valuable experience and knowledge of manufacturing, supply chain and the integration of hardware and technology; the right skill set, financial rigour and tenacity that will drive forward the growth journey we are on.”

Imogen Moorhouse, Oxford Metrics CEO, said: “I would like to add my own thanks to David who has been invaluably supportive over the years and especially since I became CEO of Oxford Metrics. I wish him the very best for the future.

“I am very much looking forward to having Zoe as part of my executive team. Culturally, she is absolutely the right fit with the right financial stewardship and skill set to take us forward. She’s really excited to join us at a pivotal moment in our five-year plan and as we execute on our clear roadmap to unlock growth and new market opportunities. We look forward to introducing Zoe in due course.”

David Deacon, Oxford Metrics CFO, said: “During the last 15 years it has been an absolute pleasure working alongside the fantastic people at Oxford Metrics. In my 45-year career Oxford Metrics has certainly been the most memorable and exciting period. We have accomplished a great deal and I would especially like to thank my finance team who have supported me and relished all the challenges and opportunities. With a strong balance sheet and the appetite to pursue M&A opportunities, I am confident the business will move onto achieve even greater things. I wish Imogen and Zoe the best of luck in taking Oxford Metrics forward.”

Zoe Fox, Oxford Metrics CFO Designate, said: “I am thrilled to be joining Oxford Metrics at this stage in its growth journey – in year three of delivering against its five-year strategy. With a clear roadmap and strong foundations for future growth, I look forward to leveraging my skillset and working with Imogen and the talented team at Oxford Metrics on the opportunities ahead.”

Additional information:

Zoe Anne Fox (formerly Zoe Anne Wagstaff), aged 51, has held the following directorships within the last 5 years:

• FireAngel Safety Technology Limited (former)
• FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc (former)

There are no further disclosures to be made under Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules for Companies.

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