GVC appoints former Hills director Barry Gibson as new chairman
Lee Feldman will be replaced in February 2020 following 11 years in the GVC hotseat
GVC Holdings has appointed former William Hill director Barry Gibson as its new chairman, bringing to an end 11 years in the role for Lee Feldman.
Gibson today joined the London-listed operator as a non-executive director and will take over as chairman from the outgoing Feldman on 27 February 2020.
Gibson, currently the chairman of HomeServe, was selected following a seven-month search to find a successor for Feldman, who has served as GVC chair for the last 11 years.
Gibson has prior experience in the gambling industry having been a non-executive director at William Hill and a senior independent director with bwin.party.
Stephen Morana, GVC’s senior independent non-executive director, led the process to appoint a successor to Feldman.
GVC chairman Lee Feldman
The change was made following new corporate governance rules that suggest chairs should serve a maximum of nine years.
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 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,” he added.
Gibson, who owns 17,587 ordinary shares in GVC, said: “I am delighted to be joining GVC at such an exciting point in its growth trajectory.
“I have been involved in a number of companies in the gambling sector over many years, and it is immediately clear to me that GVC has industry-leading technology, products, brands, marketing capabilities and people.
“As such, I see enormous potential for this business and am looking forward very much to helping GVC to be the most successful and responsible operator in the sector.”