7
October 2024
Hollywood
Bowl Group plc
(the
"Company")
Chairman Succession
Announcement
Hollywood Bowl Group, the largest
ten-pin bowling operator in the UK and Canada, announces that Peter
Boddy will retire as Chairman and step down as a Director at the
conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting on 30 January 2025
(the "AGM"), after ten years of service.
Darren Shapland will be appointed
as an independent Non-Executive Director and Chair Designate, as
well as a member of the Nomination and Corporate Responsibility
Committees, effective 1 December 2024. He will succeed Peter as
Chair of the Board and Nomination Committee Chairman, pending his
election as a director at the AGM.
Darren brings extensive experience
from his 35-year career in retail and consumer businesses, having
served as CFO for J Sainsbury Plc, Superdrug, a number of divisions
of Burton Group Plc, and CFO and CEO for Carpetright Plc. He is
currently a Non-Executive Director at JD Sports Fashion PLC, as
well as Chair of a number of Venture Capital backed and privately
owned businesses.
He has also previously held several
Non-Executive Chair and Audit Chair roles, including Poundland Plc,
Ferguson Plc, Ladbrokes Plc and Topps Tiles Plc.
Peter
Boddy, Chairman of Hollywood Bowl Group,
commented:
"After ten memorable and exciting years at the helm of this
amazing business, this is a good moment for change. I am extremely
happy that the Board has proposed Darren to succeed me as Chairman.
Darren is someone with immense business experience, combined with
qualities of independence, integrity and ambition. I shall very
much enjoy watching the Company's continued domestic and
international growth in the years ahead."
Stephen Burns, Chief Executive of Hollywood Bowl Group,
added:
"Peter has been an exceptional Chairman over the last ten
years. On behalf of the Board, I'd like to thank Peter for his
insight and counsel. We are immensely grateful for his support
which has helped Hollywood Bowl Group develop, grow and achieve so
much during his tenure. Peter will be succeeded by Darren who
brings a depth of financial, business and international knowledge
that will help Hollywood Bowl Group reach its ambitious
goals."
Darren Shapland, Non-Executive Director and Chair Designate of
Hollywood Bowl Group stated:
"I
am delighted to be asked to take over as Chairman of this vibrant
and growing international leisure business. I look forward to
working with the Board and the management team and supporting the
Group in achieving its ambitions for further
growth."
In accordance with the UK Corporate
Governance Code, Darren Shapland's appointment followed a rigorous
and independent recruitment process led by Rachel Addison in her
capacity as the Company's Senior Independent Director and member of
the Nominations Committee. This process was conducted in accordance
the Board's established non-executive succession plan.
Other than as set out above, there
are no matters to declare under UK Listing Rule 6.4.8R
Enquiries
Hollywood Bowl Group
Steve Burns, Chief Executive
Officer
Laurence Keen, Chief Financial
Officer
Mat Hart, Chief Marketing and
Technology Officer
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via Teneo
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Teneo
Elizabeth Snow
Laura Marshall
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Hollywoodbowl@teneo.com
+44 20 7260 2700
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