JJB.L Regulatory News (JJB)

6 Jul 2005 10:30

JJB Sports PLC06 July 2005 JJB Sports Plc ("JJB") Board Changes JJB announces that David Whelan will today be stepping down as chairman of JJB,but will be remaining on the Board in the capacity of Executive Director. DavidWhelan (aged 68), who formed JJB in 1971, has been either Chief Executive orChairman of the company since its inception. JJB floated on the London StockExchange in 1994. The Nominations Committee of JJB, mindful of the majorcontribution that he has made to the success of JJB over a very long period, hasasked him to remain in the role of an Executive Director. Although DavidWhelan's role at JJB will be slightly reduced, he intends to maintain all hisday-to-day contacts and duties and the duties that he will relinquish will bethose more directly related to his former position as Chairman of the Company. The Nominations Committee has also considered the appointment of a new Chairmanand has decided to appoint Roger Lane-Smith as Non-executive Chairman. RogerLane-Smith has been a Non-executive Director of JJB since 1998 and was formerlySenior Partner and Chairman of DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary UK LLP, one of theworld's largest law firms. Andrew Thomas, who has been a Non-executive Director of JJB since 1994, hasadvised the Board that he will retire at the time of the 2006 AGM next year. TheNominations Committee will shortly commence the process of selecting areplacement Non-executive Director. David Whelan commented: "The promotion of Wigan Athletic to the Premier League will naturally demand agreater time commitment from me as Chairman of the Club. Accordingly, it isappropriate that I cut back on my commitment to JJB, which is why I am standingdown as Chairman. I am delighted that Roger has agreed to take over the role. Roger has anexcellent understanding of the Company, and considerable experience through histime at DLA of leading a large business. I am confident that JJB will benefitfrom the leadership he will bring. Although my Board responsibilities will bereduced, it is still my intention to remain heavily involved in JJB." Roger Lane-Smith commented: "JJB is a wonderful company and I am delighted to accept the role ofNon-executive Chairman. The current trading environment is extremelychallenging, but I am confident that JJB has the ability to adapt and prosper inthe changing retail environment. I am pleased, too, that the Board and the Company will continue to be able todraw on the huge experience and retail acumen which David Whelan has brought tothe Company over a long period." For further information please contact: JJB Sports plc 01942 221400 Tom KnightDavid Greenwood The Maitland Consultancy: 0207 7379 5151 Philip GawithCharlotte Barker This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange