Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Supports Future Directors Initiative


Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Limited announced today that it is supporting the Future Directors initiative, with the appointment of an aspiring director, Franceska Banga, as an observer of Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Board meetings. Ms Banga is Chief Executive of the NZ Venture Investment Fund.

The Future Directors initiative is run by the Institute of Directors and was founded by Sir Stephen Tindall, Des Hunt (NZSA), and Michael Stiassny (Vector/Korda Mentha/IoD) in 2013. The initiative seeks to give young, talented executives the opportunity to observe and participate on a company board for a 12 month period while giving the company exposure to this talent and the benefits a younger mind can bring to the boardroom. Appointees are required to commit to confidentiality, insider trading and other relevant policies and protocols designed to ensure that they are not deemed to be directors. Amongst other things this will mean that, although Ms Banga will be able to participate in discussion around the board table, she will not participate in decision making.

Tony Carter, the Chairman of Fisher & Paykel Healthcare said that “we are committed to the Future Directors initiative because we strongly believe in developing the next generation of public company directors and helping to address the experience gap faced by skilled younger professionals who are seeking to move into senior corporate governance roles.”

“We believe diversity allows us to benefit from a range of different perspectives and that Franceska’s business skills and insights will be of real value to our Board discussions” said Mr Carter.

Ms Banga will not be appointed as a director of Fisher & Paykel Healthcare following the completion of her participation in the Future Directors initiative.

Ms Banga was excited by the opportunity to observe and participate in Boardroom discussions particularly given the international aspects of the Fisher & Paykel Healthcare business. Ms Banga said “I am very much looking forward to this experience and am very grateful to Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and my current employer, the NZ Venture Investment Fund, for providing me with this opportunity to develop my governance skills.”

About Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of products and systems for use in respiratory care, acute care and the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.  The company’s products are sold in over 120 countries worldwide.

For more information about the company, visit our website www.fphcare.com.