R4E.L Regulatory News (R4E)

26 Feb 2009 12:05

Date: 26th February 2009

On behalf of: First Artist Corporation plc ("First Artist" or "the Company")

For immediate release

FIRST ARTIST CORPORATION PLC

Directorate Change

First Artist Corporation plc (AIM: FAN), the media, entertainment/sport and events group, is pleased to announce the following changes to the Board:

Jarvis Astaire, who has been Non-Executive Chairman since 2006, retired from the Board at the conclusion of the Company's Annual General Meeting held earlier today. He will continue his association with First Artist as a Consultant to the Sport division.

Bob Baldock, aged 62, was elected as a Director at today's meeting and replaces Jarvis as Non-Executive Chairman with immediate effect. Bob has extensive experience of corporate banking and treasury, gained through a long and distinguished career. He worked for Allied Irish Bank for over 25 years where he held a number of senior posts, including Head of Corporate Banking and Chief Credit Officer. He is an Associate of The Institute of Bankers and The Canadian Institute of Bankers.

Commenting on the changes, Jon Smith, Chief Executive, said:

"We believe that Bob Baldock's experience and financial skills will be of great benefit to First Artist, especially during these challenging times, and we are delighted and privileged to welcome him as our new Chairman.  We also extend our particular thanks to Jarvis Astaire for his contribution to the Board and the Company over the last three years, and we look forward to continuing to benefit from his wise counsel in his new role".

Save as set out in this announcement, there is no information to be disclosed pursuant to pursuant to paragraph (g) of Schedule 2 to the AIM Rules for Companies.

- ends -

Notes to Editors:

First Artist Corporation plc was admitted to AIM in 2002.

First Artist's group companies are among the leading brands in their fields under the following categories: 

Media - entertainment advertising, marketing, design, promotions, digital media, merchandising, signage and front of house displays for the West End, Broadway and Las Vegas via the Dewynters, SpotCo and Newman Displays brands. Sponsorship rights marketing through First Rights Limited.

Events - offers a broad range of events such as conferences, company activity days, parties, venue finding, delegate management and client events for private and public sector clients through The Finishing Touch.

Entertainment/Sport - representation of media personalities and football players/clubs across the UK, Europe and the US by First Artist Management, First Artist Sport, Promosport and First Artist Scandinavia, together with wealth management through the Independent Financial Advisory firm, Optimal Wealth Management.