New NED Appointments

H&T Group PLC

16 June 2023

 

16 June 2023

H&T Group plc

("H&T," the "Company" or the "Group") 

New NED Appointments

H&T Group plc, the UK's largest pawnbroker and a leading retailer of high quality new and pre-owned jewellery and watches, is pleased to announce the appointment of four new non-executive directors, all of whom will join the Board with effect from 1 July 2023.

The appointment of these new non-executive directors will significantly progress the Company's aim to evolve its governance structures by broadening the range of skills, experiences and diversity around the Board table. The appointments will support the continued growth the Company is experiencing in both pawnbroking and retail, and the Group's longer term growth plans.

Robert van Breda brings a wealth of financial services experience from his earlier career at NatWest and then more recently as CFO and in other executive director roles with challenger banks Vanquis and Cashplus. In his most recent role as interim CFO he helped Griffin Financial Technology Limited obtain a banking licence earlier this year. It is intended that Robert will Chair the Audit Committee.

Lawrence Guthrie brings to the Board more than 30 years corporate finance advisory experience, the last 20 of which have been dedicated to financial services. Lawrence started his career at Charterhouse, before co-founding the financial services practice at Hawkpoint and subsequently at Quayle Munro, which was acquired by Houlihan Lokey in 2018, and where Lawrence continues to be a Managing Director.

Catherine Nunn is a highly experienced CEO and retailer, having had broad experience across a variety of commercial environments, much of which has been with 'blue chip' businesses, including BP and Lakeland Ltd. Following her role as CEO of Lakeland Ltd, she became Deputy Chair of the company. It is intended that Catherine will Chair a newly formed Customer Committee, focused on ensuring we continue to consider customers as being central to everything we do.

Sally Veitch is an established NED, with extensive experience as a former Finance Director, and with strong consumer-led experience. Sally has held non-executive roles across Audit, Remco and Nomco committees over the last 10 years at LHV Bank Limited, Tipton & Coseley Building Society, Perenna Bank, Redwood Bank. She was also the Director of Finance of Home Retail Group. It is intended that Sally will Chair the Risk Committee.

Simon Walker, who joined the Board in September 2022 and became Chair on 1 April 2023, and Toni Wood, who joined the Board in May 2022 will continue in their roles. It is intended that Toni will Chair the Remuneration Committee. James Thornton is not intending to seek re-election at the next Annual General Meeting in 2024 and will continue in the role as Senior Independent Director. A new Senior Independent Director will be appointed before James Thornton's retirement, and it is intended that this role will be filled from within the Board.

Simon Walker, Chairperson of H&T said:

'I am delighted to continue to build the breadth of expertise of the Board with the addition of Robert, Lawrence, Catherine, and Sally. Each of them brings vast and relevant experience to the Group and will provide strong counsel as we look to grow our core pawnbroking and retail businesses whilst also becoming even more consumer centric.   I look forward to working with each of these talented individuals as the Group continues on its growth trajectory.'

Enquiries

H&T Group plc                                                                                                                                              

Chris Gillespie, Chief Executive                                                                                         [phone]

Diane Giddy, Chief Financial Officer

Shore Capital Ltd (Nominated Advisor and Broker)                                                     [phone]

Stephane Auton/Iain Sexton (Corporate Advisory)

Guy Wiehahn/Isobel Jones (Corporate Broking)

Alma PR (Public Relations)                                                                                               [phone]

Sam Modlin                                                                                                                           [e-mail]

Andy Bryant                                                                                                                         

Pippa Crabtree

Regulatory disclosures

In accordance with Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules, Robert Michael van Breda, aged 54, holds or has held in the past 5 years the following directorships and partnerships:

Previous directorships/partnerships within the last 5 years

Advanced Payment Solutions Limited (traded as Cashplus Bank)

There is no further information required to be disclosed in respect of the above appointment pursuant to Rule 17 and Schedule 2 (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies.

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There is no further information required to be disclosed in respect of the above appointment of Lawrence Watson Guthrie, aged 60, pursuant to Rule 17 and Schedule 2 (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies.

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In accordance with Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules, Catherine Amelia Nunn, aged 53, holds or has held in the past 5 years the following directorships and partnerships:

Current directorships/partnerships

Nunn Associates Ltd

Making Me

There is no further information required to be disclosed in respect of the above appointment pursuant to Rule 17 and Schedule 2 (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies.

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In accordance with Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules, Sally Jane Veitch, aged 50, holds or has held in the past 5 years the following directorships and partnerships:

Current directorships/partnerships

Settle Housing Association

LHV Bank Limited

Perenna Bank PLC

Roundwood Park School Academy Trust

Tipton & Coseley Building Society

Previous directorships/partnerships within the last 5 years

Redwood Bank Limited

SJ Veitch LTD

There is no further information required to be disclosed in respect of the above appointment pursuant to Rule 17 and Schedule 2 (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies.

 

END