CAE Inc. (NYSE: CAE) today announced the appointment of four new directors to its Board of Directors, including Calin Rovinescu as Chair of the Board. The other three appointments are Peter Lee, Katherine A. Lehman and Louis Têtu.
These changes, which will take effect on February 14, followed consultations with the Company's stakeholders that focused on the Board's ongoing review of its composition, and a transition towards renewed Board leadership.
Said Mr. Rovinescu, "As a longstanding airline customer and partner of CAE, I am excited to take on the role as Chair to help guide this exceptional global champion through its next chapter of growth and value creation. The other newly appointed Board members and I are energized by CAE's innovative technology, strong market position in aerospace and defence, and outstanding people."
In connection with these changes, the Board invited Mr. Rovinescu to join as a director and Chair and Ms. Lehman to join as a director. The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), one of the Company's largest shareholders, nominated Mr. Têtu to the Board pursuant to a customary nomination rights agreement with the Company. Browning West, LP nominated Mr. Lee to the Board pursuant to a customary cooperation and standstill agreement with the Company. Mr. Lee and Mary Lou Maher will co-chair the CEO Search Committee, working closely with Mr. Rovinescu as Chair of the Board, to continue the recruitment process previously overseen by the Board's Human Resources Committee.
The size of the Board remains unchanged at 13 as the four appointments are being made in conjunction with the retirement of four directors: Alan N. MacGibbon, who has served as Chair of the Board since 2022 and as a director since 2015; Margaret S. (Peg) Billson, who has served on the Board since 2015; François Olivier, who has served on the Board since 2017; and David G. Perkins, who has served on the Board since 2020. These directors have overseen a period of significant growth and change for CAE as it has moved from primarily an industrial products company to a world leader in aviation training solutions. The Company wishes to thank them for their exceptional service and valuable contributions during their tenure.
Said Mr. MacGibbon, "During my time on the Board, I have seen the Company become a global leader in training for civil aviation and defence and security forces, furthering its mission to make the world a safer place. I am honoured to have been involved in CAE's story and I thank CAE's employees, management and my Board colleagues for their dedication to the Company. With a dynamic and engaged Board that is fully aligned on the process and transition to CAE's next CEO, there is no better time for me to transition the Chair role to Calin. I am confident Calin's proven track record in value creation and exemplary leadership skills will allow the Company to continue to be a leader in the sector and deliver value to its broad group of stakeholders."
Added Mr. Rovinescu, "I would like to acknowledge and thank Alan for the tremendous leadership he has shown during his time at CAE. Even as he prepared to retire from the Company, Alan remained committed to ensuring that the CEO succession process proceed smoothly and effectively, as evident in his decision to make way for a new Chair who will work hand in hand with the incoming CEO. His guidance during this critical transition period is a testament to his enduring commitment to CAE and its future. Alan has set a high standard, and we are profoundly grateful for his board service and the legacy he leaves behind. I would also like to acknowledge and thank each of Peg, François and David for their service and contributions during their tenure."
Mr. MacGibbon concluded, "On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank CDPQ and Browning West, as well as our other shareholders, who worked constructively with us throughout this process with the shared goal of creating sustainable and substantial shareholder value at CAE."
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