R4E.L Regulatory News (R4E)

17 Jan 2006 07:00

Under strict embargo to: 0700hrs Tuesday 17th January 2006 FIRST ARTIST ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF JARVIS ASTAIRE OBE AS NON EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN First Artist Corporation PLC (AIM: FAN), the acquisitive sports andentertainment group, today announces the appointment of Jarvis Astaire asnon-executive Chairman to the Company.Jarvis Astaire, OBE, 82, has had an extensive career in the internationalsporting industry over the past forty years. As Deputy Chairman of WembleyStadium Limited from 1984-1999, Jarvis was responsible for dealing with TheFootball League, The Football Association, Euro 96 and the many clubs involvedin playing matches at the stadium. Prior to Wembley, Jarvis was a leadingboxing promoter for the likes of Mohammed Ali, and then through his companyViewSport, a pioneer in using closed circuit TV to broadcast major sportingevents. As Chairman of GRA Limited (1997-2005), he was responsible forintroducing greyhound racing onto Sky. In 2004, Jarvis Astaire received an OBEfor services to young people in London.Jon Smith, Chief Executive of First Artist Corporation PLC, commented:"Having worked closely with Jarvis in introducing NFL American Football, NBABasketball and NHL ice hockey to the UK in the 1980's and 90's, I am delightedto now welcome him onto First Artist's Board. As an elder statesman of thesports industy, his connections are unparalleled. We are confident Jarvis willplay an instrumental role within the company's acquisition programme over thenext twelve months."Tim Chadwick will move to the position of non-executive Vice Chairman.Jon Smith added:"The Board would also like to thank Tim Chadwick for his significantcontribution over the last ten months. Tim was brought in specifically tooversee the reshaping of the business and the associated fund raising activity.Thanks to his expertise, we have successfully completed that stage of ourdevelopment; we are immensely grateful for all that he has achieved. We arelikewise delighted that Tim is to continue as non-executive Vice Chairman.Working alongside our finance director, Richard Hughes, his focus will be tocontinue building relationships with the financial and investment community asFirst Artist progresses its growth strategy."Directorships held by Jarvis Astaire in the last five years are: * Wembley Stadium Limited - Deputy Chairman (1984-99) * GRA Limited - Chairman (1997-2005) No further information needs to be disclosed under the AIM rules.- ends -For further information:First Artist Corporation plcJon Smith, Chief Executive Tel. + 44 (0) 20 8900 1818Richard Hughes, Finance DirectorShore Capital Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7408 4090Alex Borrelligth media relationsToby Hall/Jade Mamarbachi Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7153 8039/8035ENDFIRST ARTIST CORPORATION PLC