Highcroft Investments plc announced that after 18 years as a board member, John Hewitt has decided, for personal reasons, to resign as a director and non-executive chairman with immediate effect. John was appointed to the board in August 1999 and has served as an independent non-executive director, chairman of the nomination committee, a member of the remuneration and audit committees, and, since October 2006, as non-executive chairman of the board. He has played an important role in leading the board and in Highcroft's strategy and vision. The nomination committee has started the recruitment process for the position of non-executive chairman. Until an appointment is made Simon Costa, non-executive director and senior independent director, will assume the role of acting non-executive chairman.