JJB.L Regulatory News (JJB)

3 Aug 2007 16:03

JJB Sports PLC03 August 2007 BOARD CHANGES JJB Sports PLC ("JJB") wishes to advise that its Chief Executive,Tom Knight, hasdecided that now is the appropriate time to retire from the Board to concentrateon other opportunities in the private equity market. He will remain with theCompany as an employee for six months concentrating on special projects. Deputy Chief Executive Chris Ronnie is appointed as Chief Executive withimmediate effect. Non Executive Director Roger Best will also be leaving the Board today to focuson his position as Chief Executive of Radley & Co. He is replaced immediately byAlan Benzie who was formerly Senior Partner of KPMG (North) and a member of theKPMG UK Board. It is intended that David Jones, formerly Chairman and Chief Executive Officerof Next plc and currently Non Executive Chairman of Littlewoods Mail Order willbe joining the Board as a Non Executive Director during September. Roger Lane-Smith, Chairman of JJB said: "On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Tom Knight for his contributionas Chief Executive over the last 5 years during a difficult and turbulent periodin the sports retail industry. We are pleased that he has agreed to remain withthe company for a time. "I am delighted that in Chris Ronnie we have such a capable replacement. Chrisis a seasoned professional in the industry and I believe will be fully focussedin driving the bottom line performance of the Group. "I also thank Roger Best for his contribution and welcome Alan Benzie who bringswith him a wealth of invaluable experience to the Group. "David Jones will also be a very significant addition to the Board, bringingwith him a vast experience in Retail and Mail Order." Tom Knight said: "After 5 years I have decided to step down as Chief Executive of JJB to pursueother opportunities. I would like to thank the Board and shareholders for theirsupport during my time as CEO and look forward to working with the Company forthe next six months." Ends For further information, please contact: JJB Sports Roger Lane-Smith, Chairman 01625 535 366 MaitlandCharlotte Walsh 020 7379 5151 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange