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(Alliance News) - Bookmaker William Hill PLC on Thursday announced the appointment of both a new finance chief and a chief operating officer.
Matt Ashley will be joining as chief financial officer-designate on Monday next week. He will replace Ruth Prior, who is leaving at William Hill's annual general meeting on May 15.
Ashley is currently the head of business development at FTSE 250 transport firm National Express Group PLC, having previously led its Noth America business and served as group CFO. He has also worked at Deloitte LLP.
In its own statement, National Express Chief Executive Dean Finch said: "I thank Matt for his long and distinguished service with the company. I first hired Matt because I knew he would be a great addition to our team.
"Indeed, during his time at National Express Matt has been a much valued colleague and made a real difference to our business in his many senior roles. I wish him all the very best for the future."
Elsewhere at William Hill, Stephen Parry will be joining as COO later in 2020, at an unspecified date. He is currently integration director at rival bookmaker Flutter Entertainment PLC, where he led the integration of Stars Group into Flutter.
William Hill Chief Executive Ulrik Bengtsson commented: "These two key appointments reinforce our focus on building a high calibre team. Matt and Stephen bring significant strengths to the company. Matt has a wealth of international financial and US experience as well as being an experienced CFO of a FTSE 250-listed company.
"Stephen comes with a first-class track record of driving digital change, operational focus and customer experience in senior roles at Vodafone Group PLC and Flutter. I look forward to welcoming them both to William Hill."
Shares in William Hill were 0.3% lower in London on Thursday at a price of 66.93 pence each.
By George Collard; georgecollard@alliancenews.com
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