Abano Healthcare : Dr Tracey Batten Appointed to Abano Board

Abano Healthcare Group Limited (NZX: ABA) advises that Dr Tracey Batten has been appointed to the Board, effective from 23 May 2018.

Following Abano's transition to focus solely on the $11-billion trans-Tasman dental market, Board composition has been reviewed to ensure there is an appropriate mix of relevant knowledge, expertise and experience. Dr Batten's appointment is part of the Board's ongoing succession planning and to ensure an orderly transition of Directors as a number of longer serving directors will be retiring over the next 12 to 18 months.

Chair of Abano, Trevor Janes, commented: 'We are delighted to welcome Tracey to the Board. This is in line with our commitment to ensure that as Abano grows and evolves, it is governed by directors with the appropriate skills, experience, knowledge and expertise. Tracey's knowledge of the health sector, as well as her understanding of both the New Zealand and Australian markets, will be of value to our company and shareholders.'

Based in New Zealand, Dr Batten has 15 years' experience as CEO for large, complex healthcare organisations in both Australia and the UK and has worked closely with businesses in the hospital, aged care and medical research sectors. She is a member of the Australian Institute of Directors and has held a number of governance positions with private and public organisations, including currently being a director of Medibank Private Limited.

Dr Batten has been appointed by the current Abano Directors, as permitted under Abano's constitution. She will hold office until Abano's 2018 Annual Meeting at which time she will offer herself for election by shareholders. The Board has determined that Dr Batten is an independent director, for the purposes of NZX Listing Rule 3.3.2.

ENDS