Smith & Nephew plc announced that Robin Freestone has decided to step down as Senior Independent Director and as a Non-Executive Director of Smith & Nephew plc with effect from 30 September 2022. Marc Owen, Non-Executive Director, will be appointed as Senior Independent Director with effect from the same date. Mr. Freestone was appointed as a Non-Executive Director in September 2015 and subsequently appointed as Senior Independent Director in April 2019.

Mr. Owen was appointed as a Non-Executive Director in October 2017. In addition to his appointment as Senior Independent Director, Mr. Owen will continue in his role as Chair of the Compliance & Culture Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee and Nomination & Governance Committee. He will take over from Mr. Freestone in leading the search for a new Chair of the company.