REG - Hollywood Bowl Group - Chairman Succession

Hollywood BowlAnnouncement

07/10/2024 07:00

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RNS Number : 0659H  Hollywood Bowl Group plc  07 October 2024

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                                   via Teneo

 Steve Burns, Chief Executive Officer

 Laurence Keen, Chief Financial Officer

 Mat Hart, Chief Marketing and Technology Officer

 Teneo                                                  Hollywoodbowl@teneo.com

 Elizabeth Snow                                         +44 20 7260 2700

 Laura Marshall

 

 

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