Perma-Pipe Fortifies Board with Energy Transition and CEO Leadership

THE WOODLANDS, TX – April 07, 2026 – Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: PPIH) has announced a significant strategic enhancement to its Board of Directors, appointing renewable energy expert Nancy Zakhour as an independent director and elevating President and CEO Saleh Sagr to a director role. The appointments, effective April 8, 2026, signal a dual focus on embracing the global energy transition while solidifying the executive leadership that has driven substantial recent growth.

The move is being interpreted by market observers as a deliberate effort by the pre-insulated piping leader to position itself for future opportunities in sustainable infrastructure, while simultaneously rewarding and empowering the CEO who has overseen a period of remarkable performance.

A Strategic Pivot Towards Green Energy

The appointment of Nancy Zakhour is a clear indicator of Perma-Pipe's forward-looking strategy. Her extensive and uniquely integrated background spans renewable energy, carbon management, oil and gas, and investment banking, providing a 360-degree view of the evolving energy landscape. Ms. Zakhour will serve on the company’s Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees.

Currently the Chief Commercial Officer at Clean Energy Services, she leads corporate strategy for battery storage and solar initiatives. Her experience is deeply rooted in the commercialization of new energy technologies. Prior to her current role, she was a pivotal figure at Oxy Low Carbon Ventures (1PointFive), where she advanced the commercial deployment of Direct Air Capture (DAC) and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) projects—technologies that rely heavily on sophisticated pipeline and fluid transportation infrastructure.

This expertise is directly relevant to Perma-Pipe's core business. As the world seeks solutions for decarbonization, the efficient and safe transport of captured CO2, hydrogen, and fluids for geothermal or district energy systems will create significant new markets for specialized piping systems. Ms. Zakhour’s firsthand experience in developing these projects provides the board with invaluable insight into a burgeoning market sector.

"We are pleased to welcome Nancy to our Board,” said Jon Biro, Chairman of the Board, in the official announcement. “Her deep technical expertise combined with her commercial and strategic leadership in both traditional and emerging energy sectors will be invaluable as we continue to position Perma-Pipe for long-term growth.”

Further strengthening her profile is her tenure as an investment banker in the Energy & Power group at Piper Sandler, where she advised on complex transactions. This financial acumen, combined with her venture capital role at Ascent Energy Ventures and her academic position as an MBA Lecturer at Rice University, equips her to guide Perma-Pipe through the capital-intensive and rapidly innovating world of green infrastructure. Her appointment is a testament to the growing trend of placing multifaceted, technically proficient leaders on corporate boards to navigate complex industry shifts.

Solidifying Proven Leadership at the Helm

In a concurrent move that reinforces internal leadership, the board also appointed Saleh Sagr, the company's President and Chief Executive Officer, as a director. This appointment serves as a strong endorsement of Mr. Sagr's performance since taking the helm in June 2025. Under his leadership, Perma-Pipe has delivered what the company's chairman described as an "outstanding" first year.

The market appears to agree. In the last year, Perma-Pipe's stock (PPIH) has seen a remarkable 181% return, reflecting strong investor confidence. The company has maintained profitability, reporting revenues of $201 million over the past twelve months, and is actively pursuing ambitious growth initiatives. A key strategic decision under Mr. Sagr's tenure has been the expansion into the burgeoning AI-driven data center market, which requires sophisticated district heating and cooling solutions—a core competency for Perma-Pipe. To support this and other growth ventures, the company is actively establishing a new manufacturing facility and seeking a new global banking agreement.

Mr. Sagr brings over 30 years of industry experience in pipeline coating and industrial manufacturing, with a significant track record in overseeing international operations in the Middle East, India, and Egypt before becoming CEO. His elevation to the board integrates this deep operational knowledge directly into the company's highest level of strategic decision-making.

"His first year as President & CEO of Perma-Pipe has been outstanding and this appointment recognizes this accomplishment,” stated Chairman Jon Biro. “His addition adds another strong member to help guide the organization for continued success and long-term growth.”

For his part, Mr. Sagr expressed his gratitude for the board's confidence. "I am honored by the Board’s appointment and recognition of the positive impact our team is having on the performance of the company,” he said. As an executive officer, Mr. Sagr will not serve on any of the board's standing committees, in line with Nasdaq governance standards for independent oversight.

Fortifying Governance for a New Energy Era

The dual appointments fundamentally reshape Perma-Pipe's governance structure for an era defined by energy transition and technological disruption. By adding Ms. Zakhour, the board gains a crucial voice on its key oversight committees, infusing them with expertise directly relevant to the company's strategic pivot.

On the Audit Committee, her investment banking background will be critical for assessing the financial risks and opportunities associated with new ventures in renewables and carbon capture. In her role on the Compensation Committee, she can help align executive incentives with long-term sustainability goals and performance in new market segments. Perhaps most significantly, on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, her network and forward-looking perspective will be instrumental in identifying future board talent and ensuring the company's governance framework continues to evolve in step with the industry.

President and CEO Saleh Sagr remarked on this strategic alignment, stating, “Nancy’s appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening the Board with forward-looking, diverse perspectives aligned with the global energy transition. Her experience across carbon management, renewables and capital markets will support our strategic priorities and enhance shareholder value.”

The combined effect of these appointments is the creation of a board that balances proven, internal operational leadership with external, forward-looking expertise. This fortified leadership structure appears designed to ensure that Perma-Pipe can not only execute its current growth plans with precision but also strategically navigate the complex challenges and seize the immense opportunities presented by the global shift towards a more sustainable energy future.