17 September 2025
RC FORNAX PLC
("RC Fornax", the "Company" or the "Group")
Board Changes
RC Fornax (AIM: RCFX), the UK-based consultancy delivering high-impact engineering solutions to the defence sector's most critical platforms - accredited, in-demand, and built to scale - announces the following change to its Board of Directors.
The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Smith, FCCA, BA (Hons), as a Non-Executive Director, effective immediately. Richard replaces Kiri Cavill, who has stepped down from the Board after providing valuable oversight during the Company's IPO and in the months since. The Board would like to thank Kiri for her contribution and wishes her well in her future endeavours.
Richard brings extensive experience in financial leadership, governance, and strategic transformation across both public and private sectors. He has held senior roles including CFO of Raytheon UK & Canada, Finance Director for the UK Ministry of Defence Submarine Programme, and CFO of Leonardo Helicopter Division. His career spans the defence, infrastructure, aerospace, and technology sectors, and he has a strong track record in programme delivery, stakeholder engagement, and risk management.
Richard currently serves as a Non-Executive Director and financial adviser to several SMEs, and has been instrumental in securing external financing, restructuring operations, and guiding strategic growth initiatives. He will also assume the role of Chair of the Audit Committee.
Mark Fahy, Non-Executive Chairman, RC Fornax plc, commented :
"I'm delighted to welcome Richard Smith to the Board of RC Fornax. Richard brings a wealth of industry experience, particularly in defence, infrastructure, and technology, and his extensive network and strategic insight will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve. I'm especially pleased that Richard will also take on the role of Chair of the Audit Committee, where his financial leadership and governance expertise will be a tremendous asset.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Kiri for her contribution since joining the Board at the time of our IPO and wish her all the very best in her future endeavours."
Richard Smith, commented:
"I am honoured to join the Board at a critical juncture for RC Fornax. The Company is strongly positioned for substantial growth in response to the UK Ministry of Defence's evolving priorities.
"Having attended the Defence and Security Equipment International exhibition last week, one of the world's largest and most influential defence and security exhibitions, I witnessed first-hand the scale of opportunity ahead and look forward to supporting the team in delivering future success."
Further information regarding the appointment of Mr Smith in accordance with paragraph (g) of Schedule Two of the AIM Rules for Companies (the "AIM Rules") is set out below.
For more information, please visit www.rcfornax.co.uk or contact :
| RC Fornax PLC Paul Reeves, CEO Rob Shepherd, CFO
|
+44 (0) 117 486 3636
|
| Strand Hanson Limited (Nominated Adviser) Christopher Raggett Rob Patrick Harry Marshall
|
+44 (0) 20 7409 3494 |
| Cavendish Capital Markets Limited (Broker) George Lawson - Corporate Finance Dale Bellis / Harriet Ward - Sales and ECM
|
+44 (0) 20 7220 0500 |
| BlytheRay (Financial PR & IR) Megan Ray Tim Blythe |
+44 (0) 20 7138 3204 |
Notes to Editors
RC Fornax PLC is an AIM-quoted company providing outcome-based engineering solutions to the UK defence industry. It was founded in 2021 by RAF veterans Paul Reeves and Daniel Clark who, having also worked for a number of years as defence contractors, are passionate about improving project efficiencies and driving value for money in the sector.
The information contained within this announcement is considered by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 ("MAR"), and the UK version of MAR which is part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended. Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.
Additional Information on the Appointment of Richard Smith :
Save for the information set out above and below, there are no further disclosures to be made in accordance with Rule 17 and Schedule Two paragraph(g) of the AIM Rules in respect of the appointment of Richard Smith.
Richard Kevin Smith (aged 64) holds or has held the following directorship or partnership in the past 5 years:
| Current Directorships/Partnerships |
Past Directorships/Partnerships within last 5 years |
| 34 Cumberland Street Management Company Limited |
None |
| Overwerx Ltd |
|
| Overwatch Aerospace Ltd |
|
| Smithsling Ltd |
|
| Union Jack Club (the) |
|
| The Union Jack Club (Trading) Limited |
|
Mr Smith holds no direct or indirect interest in the Company's issued share capital.
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