24/01
27 February 2001
NEW NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS FOR THE ROYAL MINT
Recruiting two more non-executive directors with experience in the private sector marks a continuing commitment to a commercially focussed Royal Mint, Economic Secretary Melanie Johnson said today.
Welcoming the appointment of two new non-executive directors, Miss Johnson said:
"These appointments reinforce those made last year. They further broaden the commercial expertise on the Mint's Board, and the organisation's ability to develop new commercial freedoms.?
"I am delighted that Lucy Woods and David Trapnell have agreed to become Royal Mint non-executive directors. They will complement the qualities brought by David Stark and Jan Smith, who joined the board last year, and are worthy successors to Gisela Burg and Sid Taylor?.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. The non-executive appointments announced today were made in accordance with the Guidance on Appointments to Public Bodies issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments (the Nolan procedures). They are :
Lucy Woods
Formerly Chief Executive of BT Northern Ireland and BT Ireland; joined WorldCom International in September 1999 as Senior Vice President for Europe. Responsibilities include management of WorldCom business in 13 countries. In Northern Ireland, Mrs Woods held a number of non-executive positions and took a leading role in developing a telecoms strategy for Northern Ireland.
She is a member of the CBI Council for London and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
David Trapnell
Currently Divisional Director with ETEX Group SA, a Brussels based international building materials group; previously Group Chief Executive of Marley plc for seven years. Mr Trapnell has extensive international experience in manufacturing gained in positions in the USA and Europe. He is a Trustee of Industry in Education, a director of the Movement for Innovation, a Vice President of the Construction Products Association, and Companion of the Institute of Management.
2. The Royal Mint's business comprises production and sale of circulating coins and blanks for the UK and overseas governments, and collector coins and medals.
3. Based in Llantrisant, Wales, the Royal Mint is a trading fund and Executive Agency employing over 1000 people. The Chancellor of the Exchequer is the Master of the Mint. The Royal Mint Management Board comprises Roger Holmes, the Deputy Master, with five executive and five non-executive directors.
4. On 9 July 1999 the then Economic Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, announced a programme of reforms at the Royal Mint. These included the strengthening of the Royal Mint's board through the appointment of two new non-executive directors last year (Treasury press release 43/00), and the granting of wider commercial freedoms.
5. Media enquiries should be addressed to Charles Keseru in the Treasury press office on 020 7270 5188 or for the Royal Mint to Helen Birtwhistle on 02920 344888.