Judges Scientific has lined up a new leadership team as founder and long-standing boss David Cicurel prepares to hand over the day-to-day running of the AIM-listed group.
In an update to the London Stock Exchange, the scientific instrument buy-and-build specialist said Cicurel will step down as chief executive on the 9th February 2026 and move into the role of non-executive chair.
He will replace current chair Ralph Elman, who will become non-executive deputy chair.
The board has promoted Tim Prestidge, currently group business development director, to succeed Cicurel as CEO on the same date.
Cicurel, who founded the London-based business more than two decades ago, has overseen the expansion of a portfolio of niche scientific businesses.
The company said the model has been built around increasing profits, strong cash conversion and high returns, and that it has delivered value to shareholders through earnings growth and “ever-increasing dividend returns”.
“The orchestration of succession is not a short-term activity, and the time to implement a transition is when one has the confidence that the new leadership generation is in place, has the required competence to deliver growth in shareholder value, and has internalised the Judges values which have made our group successful,” said Cicurel.
“Whilst 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 that Tim will be taking over the reins.
“Tim is highly intelligent, focused, hardworking, and has invaluable experience in our sector. I firmly believe that he is the right person to lead Judges going forward.”
Prestidge joined Judges in February 2023 after senior roles at Halma and Renishaw, where he led global portfolios of technology companies.
Since arriving, he has been responsible for several of the firm’s operating businesses and has helped shape the group’s acquisition engine.
The company has also recently appointed Rik Armitage as group acquisitions executive and John Dunne, who has recently joined from Halma as a portfolio chief executive.
Cicurel continued: “Judges is equipped with a top-quality leadership team for the future.
“I have every confidence that the long-term drivers of the group’s ability to deliver value for its shareholders are intact and unaffected by recent turbulence, and I look forward to supporting the group’s progress over the coming years.”
While Cicurel is stepping back from the CEO role, he will remain closely involved with deal-making.
The firm said he will stay actively engaged in the group’s acquisition processes, using his experience to maintain momentum and ensure “a seamless pursuit” of its long-term strategy.
Prestidge added: “David has founded and built an extraordinary group, predicated on the basis that long-term value creation and exceptional returns for shareholders can be delivered within a framework of the utmost honesty and integrity in our dealings with all stakeholders.
“It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead and continue this legacy. With the strength of the leadership team around me and throughout the group’s businesses, the resilience of our long-term drivers, and our commitment to the fundamentals of Judges’ strategy, I have every confidence in the group’s continued success.”
The transition will take effect in early 2026, giving the incoming CEO several months to work alongside Cicurel before the formal changeover.
The news comes two months on from the company’s half-year results, when it reported a 15% revenue increase to £70.2 million and a 17% profit rise to £12.6m.
Despite these increases, its share price has dipped by over 45% in 2025 and sits at 4,690p, while it has a market cap of £311.93m.