21st Feb 2008 07:00
William Hill PLC21 February 2008 21 February 2008 Appointment of Chief Executive The Board of William Hill PLC today announces the appointment of Ralph Toppingas Chief Executive. Ralph Topping 56, is currently Group Director, Operations at William Hill, withresponsibility for the Group's UK-based operations. He was appointed to theBoard of William Hill in April 2007. Mr Topping joined William Hill in 1973 andhas held various positions within the company, including Retail OperationsDirector and Internet Director. Mr Topping will become Chief Executive withimmediate effect. Charles Scott, Chairman of William Hill, said: "The Board has undertaken an extremely thorough search process over recentmonths. We have tested the market place in considerable detail. I am delightedthat we have reached the view that in Ralph, who brings more than 35 years ofindustry experience to the role, we have a first class appointment. We will alsobenefit from his deep knowledge of the William Hill business." Mr Scott has been filling the role of Executive Chairman and will now resume hisrole as Chairman. Ralph Topping said: "Our industry is facing significant change and new challenges, not least thechallenges that come from new regulation. There are also major opportunities forWilliam Hill as we rapidly develop our online businesses and continue to buildon the success of our UK operations. I look forward to leading the company asChief Executive, and to working with the Board and management team. We willbuild on the company's successes and drive the company forward. -Ends- Enquiries: Charles Scott, Executive Chairman Tel: 020 8918 3910Fiona Antcliffe/ Deborah Spencer, Brunswick Tel: 020 7404 5959 Notes to Editors 1. Biography of Ralph Topping Ralph Topping, 56, has worked for William Hill for almost 35 years. He joinedthe company as a 'Saturday worker' in Glasgow, and has since held numerous rolesincluding shop manager, human resources manager and regional manager in ScotlandIn 1998 Mr. Topping was appointed internet director, and pioneered William Hill's internet presence and online operations. In 2002 he became retailoperations director, and in 2007 he was appointed group director, operations. 2. William Hill Plc Founded in 1934, William Hill is one of the leading providers of fixed oddsbookmaking services, offering odds and taking bets on a wide range of sportingand other events, as well as offering amusement with prizes machines and fixedodds betting terminals in licensed betting offices and operating online casino,poker and fames sites as well as two greyhound stadia. It is a market leader in all major betting channels in the UK with anestablished international presence through its online business. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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