Shares in counter-drone technology company Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) were trading more than 10% higher on Friday morning after the company announced that two high-profile directors would join its board.
The company said in a statement to the ASX that Air Vice-Marshal (retired) Catherine Roberts and Major General (retired) Kathryn Toohey would join the board as Non-Executive Directors.
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Depth of experience
EOS said Ms Roberts was a highly accomplished senior executive with "extensive experience at the highest levels of the Australian Defence Force and Government, applied across the Defence space and aviation sectors''.
The company added:
Catherine is recognised for her strong governance capability, innovation, strategic leadership, and extensive networks across Government, Defence, Industry, and Academia. She has worked extensively with Australia's allies in North America, Europe and other countries. As the inaugural Commander of Defence Space Command in Australia, Catherine led the establishment and operational delivery of Australia's military space capability. Her experience in space, aviation and weapons technology as an Aerospace Engineer spans 40 years. This has included Defence procurement, operations, complex project management and delivery of major programs valued at over $16 billion.
Ms Roberts' other current board and advisory roles include Australia's Economic Accelerator, Defence SA, Andy Thomas Space Foundation, and National Security and Resilience, Curtin University.
Ms Toohey, the company said, is an experienced Non-Executive Director with ASX and government experience.
The company added:
Kathryn brings deep expertise in sovereign defence capability, digital systems, infrastructure delivery, and governance of complex programs in highly regulated environments. Her experience includes oversight of major national capability programs as well as governance in national security environments.
Ms Toohey's current board roles include: Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB), Australian Naval Infrastructure Pty Ltd, Defence Health Ltd, and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute Ltd.
EOS chair Garry Hounsell said the board had been very deliberate in selecting directors with the right mix of skills and experience.
He added:
I am delighted to welcome both Kathryn and Catherine to the Board of EOS. Their combined experience will be highly valuable as EOS continues to scale its global defence and space businesses and deliver on its strategic priorities.
Shares charging higher
EOS shares were 14.8% higher at $11 in early trade.
The shares have performed strongly in recent days, appreciating from levels below $9 just a week ago.
Bell Potter recently issued a price target of $10.60 on the shares, saying EOS was positioned as a market leader across a number of verticals and was leveraged to increased spending in the counter-unmanned aircraft systems sector.
