Aberdeen-based global engineering and consulting giant John Wood Group plc announced that Catherine Michel will join Wood’s board as a non-executive director on May 10, 2024, following the AGM.

Michel is currently chief technology officer of health and safety device maker Halma plc, a FTSE 100 firm.

Wood chair Roy Franklin said the appointment “is an important reflection” of Wood’s direction.

Last week, Wood was urged by activist investor Sparta Capital Management — which claims to be a “significant” Wood shareholder — to either move its stock market listing from London to the US or consider a sale of the firm.

“Catherine is currently Chief Technology Officer of Halma plc, the FTSE 100 UK-listed global group of life-saving technology companies, a position she has held since September 2019,” said Wood.

“Prior to Halma, Catherine was founder and CTO of telecoms-specialist software company, Tribold which was acquired by Sigma Systems in 2013.

“Following that acquisition Catherine was appointed both Chief Strategy Officer and CTO of Sigma Systems. She began her career at Accenture working with clients globally on their technology solution needs.

“Catherine was also a non-executive board member of Blancco Technology Group PLC for three years prior to its acquisition by Francisco Partners in December 2023.

“She graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from the University of Michigan.”

Wood chair Roy Franklin said: “Catherine’s appointment to the Board is an important reflection of Wood’s direction.

“An experienced public company leader and non-executive, she brings extensive technology, consulting and transformation experience to the company.

“I am delighted to welcome Catherine to the board and know she will add significant value to Wood.”

Wood operates in 60 countries and employs around 35,000 people.