R4E.L Regulatory News (R4E)

22 Mar 2005 07:00

First Artist Corporation PLC22 March 2005 22 March 2005 First Artist Corporation plc ("First Artist" or the "Company") Appointment of Non-Executive Chairman The Board of First Artist is pleased to announce the appointment of Timothy JohnMackenzie Chadwick as non-executive Chairman effective from Monday 21 March 2005.He takes over from Alex Johnston who has resigned as Chairman. Tim, aged 58, is currently Chairman of Simon Group plc. No further informationneeds to be disclosed under the AIM Rules. Tim previously founded Aurum Press Ltd., a successful publishing company, whichhe sold to Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Company in 1992. He then boughtback the children's publishing arm in 1992, which traded as All Books forChildren ("ABC") Ltd. ABC was then sold to HIT Entertainment plc in 1995. Timalso floated Benicia Ports plc, later renamed American Port Services plc, on theLondon Stock Exchange in 1994, which was then acquired by Associated BritishPorts plc in 1999. Jon Smith, Chief Executive of First Artist said: "We are delighted to welcomeTim to the Board. Given his track record and experience, Tim will play a majorrole in the development of First Artist as we develop into a broadly basedpersonality and sports marketing event management business and he will beintegral to our planned acquisition programme." "On behalf of the Board I would also like to thank Alex Johnston for all hissupport and advice. He has been invaluable to the development of the Company andhis significant contribution has enabled First Artist to reach its currentpositive position. Alex will now be able to concentrate his time on otherbusiness interests and we wish him well for the future." For further information, please contact: First Artist Corporation PLCJon Smith, Chief Executive 020 8900 1818Richard Hughes, Finance Director Smithfield ConsultantsGeorge Hudson 020 7360 4900 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange