30 Jul 2012 09:19
JJB Sports plc ("JJB Sports" or "The Company")Appointment of Interim Chief Executive
JJB Sports plc is pleased to announce the appointment of Beverley Williams as Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis, following the decision by Keith Jones to step down from the Board of JJB Sports plc and his role as Chief Executive Officer on Friday 27 July 2012.Beverley will join the business with immediate effect and work closely with Chairman-designate Bob Corliss and the management team on maximising the performance of the business and overseeing the turnaround of the Company.
Beverley has a strong retail background with over 25 years in senior executive positions in the UK and globally. Most recently, Beverley was the Commercial Director and co-CEO of La Senza. Prior to joining La Senza in 2007, Beverley was General Manager for Contessa, the lingerie retailer and oversaw its revival and integration into the La Senza business.Commenting on the appointment, Bob Corliss said: "I am delighted that Beverley has agreed to join JJB as interim CEO as we embark on the next stages of JJB's turnaround. Beverley brings a wealth of experience in multi-channel retailing, which forms a core part of the JJB offering. She is particularly well known for her expertise in product and trading. I am looking forward to working with Beverley as we set about improving the overall experience for JJB customers."
Beverley Williams added: "JJB has a great deal of potential and I am confident that with the continued help and commitment of our staff, suppliers and investors we can forge a stronger future for the business."
Enquiries:Maitland 020 7379 5151
Neil Bennett
Daniel Yea
Numis 020 7260 1000
Heraclis Economides
Richard Thomas
About JJB Sports plc
JJB Sports plc (JJB: LSE) is one of the UK's leading sports retailers. The Group is headquartered in Wigan and listed on the AIM, trades from over 180 JJB branded retail stores in the UK and Ireland and employs over 4,000 people. Further information about the Group can be found on the Group's corporate website, www.jjbcorporate.co.uk.
Information required by Rule 17 and Schedule 2 paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies.
Within the past five years, Beverley Williams (aged 58), was a director of the following companies in the La Senza Group which went into administration in December 2011: Contessa (Holdings) Limited, Contessa (Ladieswear) Limited, Keppelington Limited, La Senza Europe Limited, La Senza Girl Limited, La Senza Limited and Xunely Limited. Beverley Williams was also a director of Lion/Silk Investments 1 Limited and Lion/Silk Investments 2 Limited which each went into a voluntary creditors liquidation in April 2012.
She does not currently hold any ordinary shares in JJB Sports Plc.
No further disclosures are required under Rule 17 and Schedule 2 paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies.