H&t Group Plc Regulatory News (HAT)

18th January 2023

H&T Group PLC ("H&T" or the "Group")

Board Changes

H&T Group Plc, the UK's largest pawnbroker and a leading retailer of new and pre-owned jewellery and watches, today announces that after 17 years as a member of the Board of H&T, including over 14 years as Chair, Peter McNamara will step down from the Board at the end of March 2023 in order to focus on his business interests outside of the Group.

Peter has been pivotal to the development of H&T. He was instrumental in its successful IPO in 2008, and the growth of the business since that time has been delivered under his guidance. He leaves the Group in a stronger place following its capital raise last year, with the Group having the necessary capital resources to take advantage of a favourable economic climate for pawnbroking as the business grows its store estate in a measured and thoughtful manner.

The Board is pleased to announce that Simon Walker, who joined the Board as a Non-Executive Director in September 2022 will become Chair of the Group, effective 1st April 2023. Since he joined the Board, Simon has demonstrated that he has the qualities and experience to guide the Group through the next stage of its development, as well as a passion and enthusiasm for the business.

A recruitment process to further broaden the range of skills and experience of the Board is underway, led by James Thornton, Senior Independent Director. Further updates will be provided in due course.

Peter McNamara said "It has been an extraordinary privilege to help guide this business over the last 17 years. Though founded over 125 years ago, the present strength of the business has been evidenced in the last year by the stock being one of the market's best performers. This is all down to the outstanding employees who have run the business day to day, building strong and enduring relationships with our customers. I will greatly miss them all. I am very pleased that Simon will succeed me as Chair."

Simon Walker said "Peter has steered the business effectively through an ever-changing economic landscape over the last 14 years. I am pleased to have the opportunity to take over as Chair of an outstanding business with a clear growth strategy, a strong leadership team and exceptional colleagues right across the business."

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