Withers to step down as Playtech chairman
Roger Withers to remain as a company advisor following the appointment of successor Alan Jackson
Playtech non-executive chairman Roger Withers is to step down from his position in October, the online gaming software supplier has announced.
Withers will be replaced by Playtech’s senior non-executive director Alan Jackson after a board meeting on 9 October, while Withers will remain at the company as an advisor for strategic initiatives.
“With the success of the business firmly established and set to continue, I leave Playtech financially robust, in good hands and well placed to continue to serve its licensees, shareholders, employees and other stakeholders,” Withers said.
“I am particularly pleased that Alan has agreed to become chairman: neither I nor Playtech could ask for a better successor,” he added.
Withers was appointed non-executive chairman following Playtech’s listing on AIM in March 2006 and has since overseen a number of milestones including its move to the FTSE, the sale of its 29% stake in William Hill Online for £424m and deals with Ladbrokes and Gala Coral.
Withers remains listed as chairman of football and horse racing pools betting operator Sportech, a position he took up in February 2011.
Jackson, who has been a member of the Playtech board since the firm went public, paid homage to Withers’ role in the company’s development during his seven year tenure. “Since the Initial Public Offering, Roger has been a highly valued member of the board and instrumental to the significant achievements of Playtech,” he said.
“He has successfully navigated Playtech to become the eminet global provider of online gaming software and supplier to world-leading brands,” he added.
Playtech has also said that the board is currently searching for an additional independent non-executive director and will make an announcement in the near future.