SPO.L Regulatory News (SPO)

13 Jan 2006 07:01

Sportech PLC13 January 2006 13 January 2006 Sportech plc ("Sportech" or "the Company") Appointment of Non-Executive Chairman The Board of Sportech plc, owner of Littlewoods Gaming, is pleased to announcethat Piers Pottinger, 52, has been appointed Non-Executive Chairman with effectfrom 1 February 2006. David Mathewson has resigned his position as Non-ExecutiveChairman with effect from 31 January 2006. Mr Pottinger, who was appointed Non-Executive Deputy Chairman in November 2005,has worked in a corporate environment for 27 years and has close associationswith the media, gaming and horseracing industries. In addition, Gary Speakman, 44, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, anew Executive Board position, with immediate effect. Mr Speakman is currentlyFinance Director and he will retain this responsibility until a new FinanceDirector has been appointed. The Board would like to thank David Mathewson for his hard work over many yearswith the Company. He has played a key role in the development of Sportech duringthis time, and is likely to continue to have an ad hoc consulting role to theCompany. Commenting on today's announcement, Ian Penrose, Chief Executive Officer, said: "Since becoming Chief Executive of Sportech in October 2005, I have made anumber of important changes to the business and the appointment of PiersPottinger is part of this ongoing programme. "Gary is ideally suited to take up the Chief Operating Officer role, the firstsuch position in the Company's history. I look forward to expanding the Boardwith the appointment of a Finance Director in the near future. "Sportech is changing to address the significant opportunities in front of itand the Board is well positioned to take advantage of the high potential of thebusiness." - ends - Enquiries Sportech plcIan Penrose, Chief Executive Officer 0151 288 3561 Bell Pottinger Corporate & FinancialDavid Rydell / Zoe Sanders 020 7861 3232 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange