8 Feb 2018 07:00
Goals Soccer Centres plc
("Goals" or the "Company")
Appointment of CEO and change of Board responsibilities
CEO appointment
Goals, a leading operator of outdoor small-sided soccer centres with 49 sites, including three in California, USA, is pleased to announce, after a rigorous and extensive search, the appointment of Andrew Edward Anson as Chief Executive with effect from 23 April 2018.
Andy brings a wealth of experience in consumer-facing industries and is a leading figure in the world of sports and leisure in the UK and internationally. Mr. Anson has significant expertise in operational strategy, consumer marketing and sales, corporate business development and a strong track record in developing partnerships.
He has held senior roles at The Walt Disney Company, at Channel 4 in the UK, was the Commercial Director for Manchester United plc and served as the Chief Executive for the England 2018 FIFA World Cup bid and ATP Europe.
More recently, over a five-year period from 2011, whilst CEO of Kitbag Limited, an e-commerce focused, multi-channel sports retail business, he successfully led its recovery in profits, significantly grew its revenues and oversaw its successful sale to Fanatics Inc. During 2017 he has been Global President, Teneo Sports.
The Board
In order for the Company to increase strategic emphasis on the development its North American Joint Venture business and international prospects, the Board has agreed to a reallocation of Board responsibilities.
Whilst Nick Basing will remain a Non-Executive Director of the plc Board, he will hand over, with immediate effect, the responsibilities of Chairman, on an interim basis, to Michael Bolingbroke the Senior Independent Director, until a new Non-Executive Chairman is appointed.
This will allow Nick Basing, in due course, to increase his focus and devote time to his role as Chairman of the Company's Joint Venture with City Football Group and further its international growth prospects.
Nick Basing, Chairman said:
"We are delighted that Andy is joining the board to lead the business in its next phase of development.
After a very thorough process, Andy is the standout candidate to take Goals forward. Andy has an ideal blend of leadership skills, a passion for football and proven expertise in modernising businesses. We are confident that Andy's skillset will contribute to the future delivery from Goal's investment led recovery strategy.
I am looking forward to spearheading the Company's strategically important development of Goal's US based Joint Venture with City Football Group.
I am also delighted to be continuing on the plc Board to see through the Company's recovery strategy, put in place in 2016, which has already delivered significant improvements."
Andy Anson, incoming CEO said:
"I am excited to be joining Goals at this time. I look forward to working with the very experienced Board and the team at Goals to drive the business forward over the coming years. Strong foundations have already been laid and I welcome the opportunity to build on these and to explore new opportunities for growth."
8 February 2018
The information communicated in this announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014.
Pursuant to Rule 17 and Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules for Companies, the following information is disclosed in respect of Andrew Edward Anson, aged 53.
Current directorships | Past directorships (last 5 years) |
The British Olympic Association | Fanatics (International) Limited |
Racecourse Media Group Limited | Wireless Group Limited |
Racecourse Media Group Services Limited | Kitbag Limited |
Racecourse Betting Company Limited |
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Racecourse Retail Business Limited |
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Enquiries:
Goals Soccer Centres plc Nick Basing, Chairman Bill Gow, Chief Financial Officer | via Instinctif |
Canaccord Genuity Limited (Nominated Adviser and Broker) Chris Connors Martin Davison Richard Andrews | 020 7523 8350 |
Instinctif Partners Matthew Smallwood Tom Berger | 020 7457 2020 |