Lowland Investment Company PLC Names Cindy Rampersaud as Non-Executive Director and Incoming Audit Committee Chair

Cindy Rampersaud’s Appointment Bolsters Lowland’s Governance Structure

Effective 1 October 2026, Lowland Investment Company plc has welcomed Cindy Rampersaud to its board as a non-executive director following a rigorous nominations committee-led search. Ms Rampersaud is a qualified accountant with a distinguished record as a non-executive director and chair of audit and risk committees across both listed and unlisted organisations. Her appointment reflects a deliberate strategy to strengthen governance capabilities and secure continuity in key oversight roles.

Upon joining, Ms Rampersaud will hold memberships on the Audit and Risk Committee, Nominations and Remuneration Committee, Management Engagement Committee, and Insider Committee. This extensive committee involvement underscores her expertise and the board’s confidence in her ability to contribute across multiple governance dimensions. Assigning her audit and risk skills to critical oversight functions ensures optimal impact on the company’s compliance and risk management frameworks.

Succession Planning Ensures Experienced Leadership of Audit Committee

A central aspect of Ms Rampersaud’s appointment is the planned succession for the Audit and Risk Committee chairmanship following Gaynor Coley’s retirement. This proactive transition guarantees leadership continuity for one of the board’s most vital committees, exemplifying Lowland’s commitment to effective governance succession. By appointing Ms Rampersaud ahead of Ms Coley’s departure, the board mitigates risks associated with leadership gaps during the handover period.

Ms Rampersaud’s prior role as Audit and Risk Committee Chair and Senior Independent Director at Hipgnosis Songs Fund equips her with the specialized expertise required for this position. Her accounting qualifications and diverse sector experience enable her to quickly adapt to Lowland’s specific audit and risk profile. This planned leadership transition aligns with best practices in corporate governance, favouring advance preparation over reactive management.

Comprehensive Director Profile: FTSE, Private Equity, and Public Sector Expertise

Cindy Rampersaud brings a wealth of experience spanning multiple sectors and governance environments. She currently serves as a non-executive director of JPMorgan US Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc, providing direct insight into investment trust operations. Her roles at the UK Health Security Agency and Sage Homes further demonstrate her ability to navigate governance in both public and private sectors. This diverse portfolio highlights her capacity to manage demanding responsibilities across varied organisational settings.

Her executive background includes senior finance and management roles at Pearson, Capita, EMI, and Capital City College Group, covering consumer-facing industries, professional services, media, entertainment, and education. Her previous leadership as senior independent director and audit committee chair at Hipgnosis Songs Fund showcases her ability to oversee complex financial entities. This blend of executive and non-executive experience equips her with a holistic understanding of operational and governance challenges.

Board Chair Helena Vinnicombe Praises Rampersaud’s Sector and Governance Expertise

Helena Vinnicombe, Chair of Lowland Investment Company plc, welcomed the appointment, stating, "The Directors and I are delighted to welcome Cindy to the Board. She brings broad experience across consumer-facing industries, together with in-depth governance and audit expertise." This underscores the dual value Ms Rampersaud offers: sector-specific commercial knowledge and specialist governance skills. The focus on consumer-facing experience indicates its relevance to Lowland’s investment strategy or operational context.

Ms Vinnicombe added, "The diversity of her experience in both executive and non-executive roles will enhance the Board." This reflects the board’s recognition that Ms Rampersaud’s combined executive and non-executive background provides valuable perspectives, balancing operational insight with independent oversight. Her appointment aligns with the board’s strategic aim to broaden expertise and viewpoints at the governance level.

Lowland Investment Company plc’s Governance and Committee Framework

Lowland Investment Company plc is a closed-ended investment company listed on the UK stock exchange and regulated under the UK Listing Rules. Its governance framework includes a board supported by specialist committees: the Audit and Risk Committee overseeing financial reporting, internal controls, and risk management; the Nominations and Remuneration Committee handling board recruitment and remuneration; the Management Engagement Committee managing the investment manager relationship; and the Insider Committee addressing market abuse and insider dealing compliance.

The company is managed by Janus Henderson Fund Management UK Limited, with corporate secretarial services provided by Janus Henderson Secretarial Services UK Limited. This structure allows the board to focus on governance and strategic oversight while delegating portfolio management and operational duties to professional managers. Ms Rampersaud’s appointment and committee assignments reflect the complex governance demands of investment companies, requiring rigorous oversight of investment and compliance functions.

Compliance with UK Listing Rules and Regulatory Disclosure

The announcement confirms no additional disclosures are necessary under paragraphs 6.4.8 (1) to (6) of the UK Listing Rules concerning Ms Rampersaud’s appointment. These rules mandate disclosure of conflicts of interest, directorships, and shareholdings. The absence of further disclosures indicates full regulatory compliance and no material issues related to the appointment.

This transparency underscores Lowland’s dedication to meeting UK Listing Rules requirements and maintaining market confidence in its governance standards. The legal entity identifier (LEI) 2138008RHG5363FEHV19 cited in the announcement serves as a unique regulatory identifier. Released via the Regulatory News Service on 24 July 2026, the statement constitutes an official regulatory disclosure rather than a general press release.

Board Development and Governance Best Practices in Investment Companies

Cindy Rampersaud’s appointment aligns with evolving governance trends emphasizing board diversity and specialist expertise, particularly for audit and risk committee chairs. Selecting a qualified accountant with proven audit committee leadership adheres to corporate governance guidelines and exemplifies best practice among well-governed investment companies. Lowland’s thorough selection process reflects a proactive approach to board recruitment rather than routine or reactive appointments.

Succession planning for key committee roles is increasingly vital in corporate governance. By securing Ms Rampersaud’s appointment well before Ms Coley’s retirement, the board mitigates leadership transition risks and facilitates effective knowledge transfer. This strategy supports continuous committee effectiveness and robust oversight, reassuring investors of the company’s long-term governance commitment.

Investor Implications of Rampersaud’s Appointment at Lowland Investment Company plc

For investors, this appointment signals enhanced governance quality and strengthened oversight of investment performance and compliance. The addition of an experienced audit and risk committee chair reinforces the company’s control environment and commitment to high governance standards. Ms Rampersaud’s familiarity with FTSE companies and investment trusts reduces onboarding time and supports effective governance from the outset. Investors may view this as a positive indicator of thoughtful board development and succession planning.

The board’s active management of its composition, highlighted by Ms Vinnicombe’s reference to diverse consumer industry experience, suggests an emphasis on relevant sector insights for the company’s investment or risk profile. With the appointment effective from 1 October 2026, stakeholders have clear visibility on when Ms Rampersaud will begin contributing to governance and committee activities. The structured regulatory compliance and communication demonstrate Lowland’s professionalism in fulfilling governance responsibilities and engaging shareholders.