Auto Trader Group PLC has announced the appointment of two Independent Non-Executive Directors to its Board. Geeta Gopalan and Amanda James will join the Board on May 1, 2024, and July 1, 2024, respectively. Geeta will be appointed as Senior Independent Director and Remuneration Committee Chair, and Amanda will be appointed as Audit Committee Chair, subject to shareholder approval. These appointments are part of the Board's long-term succession planning, as two current directors will not stand for re-election at the 2024 AGM.
Geeta Gopalan brings over 25 years of experience in financial services and retail banking, particularly in payments and digital innovation. She currently serves as a Non-Executive Director of Funding Circle plc, Intrum S.A., and as a Trustee of The Old Vic Theatre. Amanda James, the Chief Financial Officer of NEXT Plc, one of the UK's largest FTSE 100 fashion, footwear, and home retailers, will also join the Board. Both Geeta and Amanda will bring valuable expertise in digital innovation, finance, consumer and retail to Auto Trader.
Following the AGM, the Board will comprise seven Independent Non-Executive Directors, three Executive Directors, and a Non-Executive Chair. The number of Independent Non-Executive Directors will reduce to five, meeting the targets set out in LR 9.8.6(9)(a), with 67% women on the Board, the role of Senior Independent Director being held by a woman, and two directors being from a minority ethnic background.
Matt Davies, Chair of Auto Trader, expressed his delight in welcoming Geeta and Amanda to the Board, highlighting their valuable experience across digital innovation, finance, consumer and retail. He also thanked the outgoing directors, David Keens and Jill Easterbrook, for their significant contributions to Auto Trader.
Auto Trader Group PLC is the UK's largest automotive marketplace, listed on the London Stock Exchange and a member of the FTSE 100 Index. The company is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture, building stronger partnerships with customers, and driving more environmentally friendly vehicle choices. With the largest number of car buyers and the largest choice of trusted stock, Auto Trader's marketplace sits at the heart of the UK car buying process.