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African Potash, the AIM listed exploration company focused on sub-Saharan potash assets and the vertical integration of fertiliser operations in Africa, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rt Hon Mark Simmonds as a Director of the Company with effect from 10 November 2015. Mr Simmonds has significant experience working in Africa and brings with him a wealth of business and political contacts, which will support African Potash in the roll out of its integrated fertiliser operations in Africa.
Mr Simmonds is a Conservative Party politician in the United Kingdom who served as the Member of Parliament for Boston and Skegness in Lincolnshire, from 2001-2015. Most recently he held the ministerial position of Foreign and Commonwealth Minister for Africa and as such he has a deep knowledge of the business and political landscape across the continent. During his parliamentary career Mr Simmonds also held a number of shadow ministerial roles, including for Health, International Development, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, and Education. He is also the Non-Executive Deputy Chairman of Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, which focusses on promoting trade and investment by facilitating engagement between Government and the private sector throughout the Commonwealth.
African Potash Executive Chairman Chris Cleverly said, “We are delighted to welcome Mark to the Board. His significant political experience, particularly within Africa, will be invaluable as we continue to roll-out our integrated fertiliser operations, finalising the current agreements we have in place and negotiating future contracts.”
Rt Hon Mark Simmonds said, “I have wide ranging experience in Africa and I am delighted to join the board of African Potash as it transforms into a company at the forefront of the development of Africa’s agricultural revolution, primarily through the sourcing and provision of much needed fertiliser. The issue of food security is extremely important and I believe this is a business which, in tandem with COMESA, has the ability to make a real impact.”
Rt Hon Mark Simmonds (age 51) holds or has held the following directorships and/or partnerships in the last 5 years:
| Current | Past (within the past five years) |
| Mortlock Simmonds Ltd | |
| Mortlock Simmonds Brown Ltd |
There is no further information on Rt Hon Mark Simmonds required to be disclosed under Schedule Two, paragraph (g) (i)-(viii) of the AIM Rules for Companies.
For further information visit www.africanpotash.com
