# Smiths Group appoints two independent Non-Executive Directors

- Link: https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/smiths-group-appoints-two-independent-non-executive-directors/4121261122
- Published: 2026-08-25T07:21:18+01:00
- Author: Ethan Davis

**[Smiths Group Plc](https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/ftse-company/smiths-group/smin.l)**(
LON:SMIN) is pleased to announce the appointments of Val Rahmani and Emma FitzGerald
as independent Non-executive Directors. Val Rahmani will join the Board with effect
from 1 October 2026, and Emma FitzGerald will join the Board with effect from 1 
November 2026.

Val Rahmani is an experienced international technology executive and Non-executive
Director, with over 30 years’ experience across the technology and financial services
sectors. She currently serves as a Non-executive Director of [London Stock Exchange Group plc](https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/ftse-company/london-stock-exchange-group/lseg.l),
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd and Entrust Corporation and previously served as a Non-
executive Director at Computer Task Group, Inc and Elliott Opportunity II Corp until
2023. Earlier in her executive career, Val spent more than 25 years with IBM, holding
a number of senior leadership positions, before serving as Chief Executive Officer
of cyber security company Damballa. She brings significant international leadership
and governance experience, with expertise in cyber security, AI, digital transformation,
strategy and risk management, as well as experience of major strategic transactions
and business transformation.

Dr Emma FitzGerald is an experienced international Chief Executive and Non-executive
Director, with leadership and governance experience across multiple jurisdictions
in plc and privately owned shareholding structures covering energy, industrials 
and infrastructure. She is currently a Non-executive Director of Seplat Energy plc,
Newmont Corporation (NYSE) and the UK National Energy System Operator and previously
served as a Non-executive Director on the Boards of Graphene Manufacturing Group
and UPM Kymmene Oyi, stepping down in 2023 and 2024 respectively. Earlier in her
executive career, she was Chief Executive Officer of Puma Energy International, 
and held executive leadership roles with Shell, National Grid and Severn Trent. 
She brings considerable expertise in operational leadership, customer led innovation,
business transformation, energy transition, and the oversight of large, capital-
intensive businesses.

> **Steve Williams, Chairman of Smiths, said:**
> “I am delighted to welcome Val and Emma to the Smiths Board. They are both highly
> experienced leaders and bring complementary skills, perspectives and insight that
> will further strengthen the Board. Their appointments reflect our commitment to
> maintaining a Board with a broad range of relevant expertise, international experience
> and diverse viewpoints. I am confident that they will make a valuable contribution
> as we continue to focus on delivering our strategic priorities and creating long-
> term value.”

The Board has reviewed Committee composition and agreed the following changes:

·       Laurence Mulliez and Val Rahmani will join the Audit & Risk Committee with
effect from 1 September and 1 October 2026 respectively. Pam Cheng will step down
from the Committee with effect from 1 October 2026.

·       Emma FitzGerald will join the Nomination & Governance Committee with effect
from 1 November 2026, at which point Alister Cowan will step down from the Committee.

In accordance with UK Listing Rule 9.6.13R, there are no matters requiring disclosure
in relation to Val Rahmani or Emma FitzGerald.

Share on: