Playtech reshuffles board of directors, appoints former EY executive

Playtech is reshuffling its Board of Directors, announced the company on Friday. The gambling technology company has appointed formerly senior tax partner at EY Linda Marston-Weston to non-executive director role, while two of its board members are stepping down.

Marston-Weston’s appointment will become effective from October 1, 2021. She brings “more than 30 years’ experience” of working with UK and global businesses across corporate finance, strategy, tax, culture, and leadership, according to a press release.

In addition to serving as Head of Tax at EY Midlands, Marston-Weston was also a member of the company’s board. Moreover, “Linda has a track record of building businesses and nurturing entrepreneurs, having set up a Female Entrepreneur’s Network for local female-led businesses,” described Playtech.

The newly appointed non-executive director was People Partner at EY Midlands and led its People Strategy, and has experience in diversity and inclusion initiatives. She is currently Head of the Transaction Tax team at accountancy firm Cooper Parry.

“Linda will bring a huge amount of experience, strategic insight, and technical expertise to Playtech having spent more than three decades advising businesses at board level,” said Brian Mattingley, Non-Executive Chairman. According to Mattingley, she will play a key role as the group enters its next stage of “growth and development.”

The two board members the company has revealed as stepping down are John Jackson, Senior Independent Direct, and Claire Milne, Non-Executive Director, following five years on the Playtech Board. This is set to become effective on September 30.

“John and Claire have overseen many years of strategic and operational growth at Playtech and leave the company well positioned for its next phase of growth and development,” said the company in a statement.

Jackson was appointed to the board in January 2016 and has most recently served as Chair of the Audit Committee. Milne was appointed to the Playtech Board in July 2016 and served as Group Interim Chair between May 2020 and May 2021.

The provider also announced the appointment of Senior Independent Director Ian Penrose, starting September 30, and a series of committee changes. John Krumins will become Chair of the Audit Committee, working along with Penrose and Marston-Weston, who will also become a committee member after joining the board.

The Nominations Committee, to continue to be chaired by Brian Mattingley, will see Anna Massion and John Krumins joining as Ian Penrose will step down from it. Massion will also Chair the Risk Committee, supported by Krumins and Penrose, the latter set to remain Chair of the Remuneration Committee.