SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
GVC Holdings has confirmed the appointment of Barry Gibson as the operator group’s Non-Executive Chairman, with the appointment taking effect from today.
Over the weekend, Sky News, The Times and The Daily Telegraph reported that Gibson would assume the new position, due to succeed Lee Feldman who will step down on 27 February 2020.
Stephen Morana, GVC’s Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, who led the process to appoint a successor to Feldman, commented: “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.”
Gibson has previously served as a Non-Executive Director of William Hill and bwin.party, where he was the Senior Independent Director.
The new appointment marks the end of a seven-month search for a new Non-Executive Chairman, following the firm’s governance dispute in relation to Feldman and Chief Executive Kenneth Alexander sanctioning a combined personal sale of £20 million of their corporate shareholdings.
Commenting on his new position, Gibson added: “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.”
