Ethernity Networks Ltd (LON:ENET), a leading supplier of data processing offload solutions on programmable FPGA hardware for accelerating telco/cloud networks, has announced the appointment of Joseph (“Yosi”) Albagli as non-executive Chairman of the Board, with effect from today.
Yosi Albagli has over 30 years of experience in engineering, business strategy and management, and entrepreneurship in the communications industry. After spending ten years as an engineer at Israel Aircraft Industries and Tadiran Telecom, he co-founded and served as President and CEO of Tdsoft Ltd in 1994, leading the company from its foundation toward becoming the leader in V5 solutions. In 2005, he led a reverse merger with VocalTec (NASDAQ: VOCL) becoming President, CEO and a board member, growing the company’s market share, and establishing it as a leader in Voice-over-IP technology.
Yosi also served as President and CEO of CTWARE Ltd., as a board member of ITGI Medical (TASE), and as President of the Satellite Communications division for Orbit Communication Systems (TLV: ORBI), where he changed the company’s focus toward targeting high-end, complex solutions. Since he co-founded the company in 2013, Yosi has served as the Chairman of Over-Sat Ltd, which provides communications solutions for the maritime, airborne, and government markets. Yosi is a Cum Laude graduate of The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology with a BSc degree in Civil Engineering and a veteran of the Israeli navy, in which he taught electronics.
David Levi, Ethernity Networks Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are excited to welcome Yosi to the Company as the Chairman of The Board. Yosi brings not only proven executive leadership and skills but a vast wealth of industry knowledge that we are confident will play a significant role towards the Company achieving its goals.”
Yosi Albagli, Chairman of the Board, said: “I am thrilled to be joining Ethernity and its outstanding team. I look forward to the challenges of the Board leadership and being able to contribute significantly and positively to the future growth and success of the Company.”
Notice of General Meeting
Mr Albagli’s remuneration includes a portion payable through the issue of Ethernity ordinary shares (“Ordinary Shares”) which, under Israel Companies Law, requires the approval of Shareholders. Consequently, Ethernity gives Notice of an Extraordinary General Meeting (“EGM”) of the Company, to be held at 9.00 a.m. (UK time) / 11.00 a.m. (Israel time) on 15 April 2021 at the Company’s offices in Israel. The Company will use the opportunity of the EGM to also seek Shareholder ratification of Mr Albagli’s appointment.
The Notice of EGM, together with a Form of Proxy (for Shareholders) or Form of Direction (for Depositary Interest holders), is expected to be despatched to Shareholders and Depositary Interest holders today, and will shortly be available to view on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, www.ethernitynet.com.
Set out below is an extract from the Notice of EGM with details on the matters to be considered at the EGM. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak and to protect the health and wellbeing of all stakeholders, Shareholders and Depositary Interest holders are strongly encouraged to vote by Form of Proxy or by Form of Direction (as appropriate) rather than attending the EGM in person (should current restrictions be lifted). The Company will also be making available a facility for attendance by telephone.
A. Ratification of Mr. Yosi Albagli as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of the Company
Mr. Albagli was appointed Chairman of the Board on 10 March 2021. In order to ratify this appointment, the approval of a simple majority of shareholders is required.
B. Chairman’s Remuneration
Mr Albagli’s annual remuneration includes a £15,000 portion which is payable through the issue of Ordinary Shares in lieu of cash (“Equity Portion”).
The Equity Portion shall accrue on a monthly basis by reference to the average 5-day closing mid-market price for Ordinary Shares prior to month-end. Ordinary Shares pursuant to the Share Portion shall be issued and allotted to Mr Albagli on an approximately six-monthly basis.
Furthermore, in line with the Company’s adopted Compensation Policy, the Ordinary Shares to be issued awards pursuant to the Equity Portion will be subject to a lock-in period of one (1) year from the date of allotment.
Under Companies Law the issue of Ordinary Shares to a Director is subject to the approval by the Shareholders at a General Meeting