Roger Devlin was appointed as William Hill Chairman Designate

William Hill announced today the appointment of Roger Devlin as Chairman Designate. He will join the board on February 1 and take over from Gareth Davis on April 2 next year.

Devlin has extensive experience as an executive, non-executive and Chairman in listed companies, including relevant experience of a number of businesses and organisations in leisure, sport and betting and gaming. He has been Chairman of leading pub operator and brewer Marston's PLC since September 2013. He is also currently Chairman of Sports Information Systems (Holdings) Limited (SIS), where William Hill plc is a 19.5% shareholder, and a non-executive director of the Football Association but will step down from both these roles in January and June 2018 respectively. Previously, Roger was Chairman of private gaming operator and developer Gamesys between 2006 and 2016.

Prior to building his experience as an independent director, Roger had a successful executive career which included a variety of senior and board level roles, spanning investment banking, industrial and international businesses. This included over ten years with Hilton Group plc as Group Corporate Development Director and an Executive Committee member as well as a Board director for both the hotels and Ladbrokes businesses owned by Hilton Group at that time.

Commenting on the appointment Sir Roy Gardner, Senior Independent Director of William Hill said:

"Roger Devlin has extensive experience as a listed company Chairman, in the City from his early days in corporate finance and across his sector relevant appointments at Hilton Group, Gamesys and SIS. We look forward to him joining as Chairman and continuing the strong recent progress the Group has made under Gareth's chairmanship.

"On behalf of the Board I would also like to take this early opportunity to thank Gareth Davis for his considerable contribution and commitment to the Group over the past seven years. Gareth's experience, energy and commitment have been of considerable benefit to William Hill as we seek to continue to grow the business online and internationally, and to deliver our strategy. We look forward to working with him in the coming months and wish him well for the future."

William Hill Chairman Gareth Davis commented:

"I have greatly enjoyed my time at William Hill and am pleased the business is on a strong footing, continues to grow and has established strategic positions in key international markets. I will be working closely with Roger Devlin in the coming months to introduce him to the business before I step down as planned and I wish Roger all the best for his future at what is a great company."

Roger Devlin, prospective Chairman Designate, William Hill commented:

"William Hill is a business and brand I have greatly admired during my years in the leisure sector and more recently as Chair of SIS. I recognize that there are both immediate challenges to address for the industry and considerable medium and longer-term opportunities for the Group, and I look forward to working with Philip Bowcock, his executive team and the Board to deliver further progress for the Group and shareholders."