The chair of Newcastle-based Zytronic plc is taking a temporary leave of absence due to illness.
David Buffham, who enjoyed a 33-year career with the Bank of England in the North East, joined the touchscreen technologies company as a non-executive director in 2010.
Buffham, also a former NED at Newcastle Building Society, succeeded Tudor Davies as chair of Zytronic in February of this year.
“Due to a recent illness, David Buffham is taking a temporary leave of absence from his duties as chair of Zytronic,” read a company statement to the London Stock Exchange.
“The company is therefore making a further temporary change to the composition of its board, to ensure stewardship and continuity of leadership at this time.”
CEO Mark Cambridge has stepped into the position of acting executive chair. The board will also continue with a search for a further independent non-executive director.
“The company also wishes to convey its best wishes to David for a speedy recovery,” it added.
Zytronic, which provides its touchscreen products for use in cash dispensers, casinos and rail ticketing machines – among many other sectors – cut its headcount by 40% to below 100 two years ago due to pressures caused by COVID-19.
Meanwhile, 10 early-stage technology companies have gained a place on a new Internet of Things and 5G accelerator programme set to begin in Sunderland this month.