ESI Group appointed on October 21, 2020, Alex Davern as Independent Observer in accordance with the recommendations of its Nomination & Governance Committee, with effect from October 21, 2020. To allow Alex Davern to perform his mission of advisor, he will be invited to participate to the Board of Directors’ meetings and its committees, without voting rights. He will bring his expertise and vision in order to assist the Company in finding a right balance between long-term vision with short-term business needs and in creating value for customers, employees, partners, and shareholders. Alex Davern served National Instruments for 26 years in different top management positions from Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer to Chief Executive Officer. Alex has recently stepped down from his role as CEO to focus on serving as a board member of National Instruments and other Nasdaq-listed companies (Cirrus Logic, and previously Helen of Troy, Sigmatel Inc.). He is a former President of the American Electronics Association committee on Sarbanes-Oxleyand a former member of the SEC'sSmall Business Advisory Committee. Alex started his career as auditor in Price Waterhouse Coopers.