Judges Scientific founder to step down as chief executive

(Sharecast News) - Judges Scientific has shaken up its board, the AIM-listed business confirmed on Wednesday, after founder and chief executive David Cicurel announced plans to step down.

Under the planned shake-up, Cicurel - who founded Judges in 2002 - will become chair, with group business development director Tim Prestidge promoted to the top job.

Current chair Ralph Elman, who only took over the role in January, will become Cicurel's deputy.

All changes will be effective as of 9 February 2026.

Judges, which acquires and develops companies in the scientific instrument sector, said the decision to make Cicurel chair had been taken after talks with its largest shareholders.

Cicurel, 76, said: "While choosing the perfect timing is never easy, particularly given the present trading environment and the company's recent results, we have been preparing for this transition for several years and I am delighted Tim will be taking over the reins."

Judges, which currently owns 25 businesses, primarily in the UK, warned in July that full-year profits had been hit by challenging US trading conditions and weaker government research funding.

Prestidge said: "With the strength of the leadership team around me and throughout the group's businesses, the resilience of our long-term drivers and commitment to the fundamentals of Judges' strategy, I have every confidence in the group's continued success."

Prior to joining the buy and build specialist in early 2023, Prestidge had spent eight years at blue chip health and safety device maker Halma.

As at 1145 GMT, shares in Judges were up 1% at 4,680p.