26th Apr 2007 16:26
William Hill PLC26 April 2007 William Hill PLC Appointment of new Board Directors The Board of William Hill plc announces that it has appointed Ian Spearing andRalph Topping, two of its most experienced senior executives, as executivedirectors. Ian Spearing and Ralph Topping will continue to report to DavidHarding, Chief Executive, who retains overall responsibility for all aspects ofWilliam Hill's activities. These moves reflect the substantial increase in size and complexity of WilliamHill and the increasing importance of regulatory issues, both in the UK as aresult of the Gambling Commission and as William Hill develops internationally. Ian Spearing is appointed to the Board as Group Director, Corporate Strategy andBusiness Development with particular responsibility for the Group's newinternational ventures in Spain and Italy, with joint venture partner Codere SA.Ian, 59, has been employed by William Hill since 1991. Ralph Topping is appointed to the Board as Group Director, Operations withresponsibility for all of the Group's UK based operations and supportingmarketing and IT functions. Ralph, who is 55, has been employed by William Hillsince 1973. The appointments will take effect on 17 May 2007, immediately following theAnnual General Meeting. With the appointment of Ian and Ralph, the Board will consist of an equal numberof executive and non-executive members. However, as the company chairman is notconsidered as independent for the purposes of the Combined Code, there will befewer independent directors. The Board currently believes that the appointmentof these experienced senior executives will outweigh any perceiveddisadvantages. This position will be kept under review. Enquiries: David Harding, Chief Executive 020 8918 3910 Deborah Spencer, Brunswick 020 7404 5959 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
WMH.L