Hollywood Bowl CFO Keen to leave board and become CEO in Canada

Thu, 20th Nov 2025 12:03

(Alliance News) - Hollywood Bowl Group PLC on Thursday said Chief Financial Officer Laurence Keen will leave the board for a "more operational role" as chief executive officer of the Canada region.

The Hemel Hempstead, England-based ten-pin bowling operator said Antony Smith will join the board as CFO on February 2.

After 12 years as CFO, Hollywood Bowl said Keen informed the board that "he would like to explore the opportunity for a more operational role".

Smith was previously CFO of bowling peer Ten Entertainment Group PLC, and before that was divisional finance director of Wickes Group PLC when it was under the ownership of Travis Perkins PLC.

Most recently, Smith has been CFO of fashion retailer River Island Holdings Ltd, overseeing a strategic review.

Keen will take the newly created role of CEO for the Canada region to "help accelerate the group's growth strategy and support the development of the existing management team in Canada," Hollywood Bowl said.

The role will be for an initial fixed term to the end of October 2026 and will report into the CEO.

"Following a thorough selection process, I am delighted to welcome Antony to Hollywood Bowl Group. He will complement our strong leadership team, and I look forward to him joining the board in February 2026. He brings a wealth of highly relevant sector and market experience and a proven track record in leading finance teams and managing capital programmes, which will support the delivery of our growth strategy," said CEO Stephen Burns.

Shares in Hollywood Bowl were up 0.4% at 272.50 pence on Thursday morning in London.

By Michael Hennessey, Alliance News reporter

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