Board Changes

RNS Number : 7450B

Shoe Zone PLC

21 June 2016

 

21 June 2016

Shoe Zone PLC

("Shoe Zone" or the "Company")

Board Changes

Shoe Zone PLC, a leading UK specialist value footwear retailer, today announces changes to the Board of Directors.

Firstly, the Company's Non-Executive Chairman, Ian Filby, is stepping down to enable Anthony Smith, the Company's CEO, to move to the role of Executive Chairman. Ian joined the Board at the time of the IPO in 2014 and has provided significant retail experience to the Company during his tenure.

Secondly, as outlined, Anthony Smith will become the Company's Executive Chairman. Anthony has led Shoe Zone for 20 years through a series of acquisitions and the Company's IPO in 2014. Anthony will continue to have a hands-on role in the Company and will have particular responsibility for the property portfolio and strategy.

Thirdly, Nick Davis, the Company's CFO, will become CEO. Nick has been with the business for 13 years and is the natural successor to drive the Company's growth plans. Nick will continue to manage the finance function until a suitable replacement is appointed.

Fourthly, Jeremy Sharman will become Non-Executive Deputy Chairman. Jeremy has been a Non-Executive Director of the Company since the IPO and has provided valuable insight and advice to the Board during this time. Jeremy will chair the Audit committee and sit on the Remuneration committee.

These role changes will come into effect immediately although there will be a controlled handover until a new Finance Director has been appointed and we will provide an update when appropriate.

Alongside these changes, we will also be appointing a new Non-Executive Director to join the board and a further announcement will be made when appropriate.

Lee Hennell, the Company's General Counsel, will assume the role of Company Secretary with immediate effect.

Anthony Smith, Executive Chairman of Shoe Zone, commented:

"I would like to thank Ian for his guidance and support since he joined the Board for the IPO in 2014. His retail experience has been invaluable to the Company as we adjusted to life as a listed company and we wish him all the very best in the future."

"I am also pleased that Nick has agreed to become CEO. Nick has been with the business for 13 years and has been instrumental in assisting Charles and me to drive both organic and acquisitive growth as well as our successful entry into online fulfilment. I look forward to continuing to work with Nick as we progress our Big Box trial and subsequent roll-out into 2017."

For further information, please contact:

Shoe Zone plc	Tel: [phone]
Anthony Smith (CEO)
Charles Smith (COO)
Nick Davis (CFO)
Numis Securities (Nominated Advisor and Broker)	Tel: [phone]
Oliver Cardigan
Mark Lander
FTI Consulting (Financial PR)	Tel: [phone]
Jonathon Brill
Alex Beagley
Eleanor Purdon

 

END

 

 

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