(Alliance News) - Sports-betting and gaming company GVC Holdings PLC said Monday it has appointed the current chair of Homeserve PLC as its new non-executive chair.
John Michael Barry Gibson - also known as JM Barry Gibson - became chair of FTSE 250-listed emergency home assistance firm Homeserve in April 2010, having joined the board in April 2004.
He succeeds Lee Feldman, who will depart February 27, 2020. Feldman has chaired GVC for 11 years and served on its board for 15. Gibson will join the board as a non-executive director with immediate effect before taking over from Feldman.
GVC noted Gibson's "extensive experience" within the gambling sector, including as a non-executive director at William Hill PLC and senior independent director at bwin.party digital entertainment PLC.
He was also, GVC noted: "group retailing director at BAA PLC, group chief executive of Littlewoods PLC, non-executive chairman of Harding Brothers Holdings Ltd, and non-executive director of both Somerfield PLC and National Express PLC."
GVC Senior Independent Non-Executive Director Stephen Morana said: "Our criteria for the new chairman included significant gambling sector experience, a demonstrable track-record of success on a range of high-profile public company boards, and a deep understanding of the evolving corporate governance landscape. After an extensive search, Barry stood out as exceeding all of those criteria, and we are delighted that someone of his calibre and experience is joining GVC to help us realise our ambitious plans for future growth.
"On behalf of the board I would also like to thank Lee Feldman for playing such an instrumental role in GVC's transformation from a small AIM listed business to a major Main Market, premium listed company. We wish him the very best for the future."
Shares in GVC were down 12.0% at 879.80 pence in London on Monday morning. Homeserve shares were off 2.1% to 1,187.00p.
By Anna Farley; annafarley@alliancenews.com
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