GVC selects HomeServe's Barry Gibson for non-executive chairman job

GVC Holdings on Monday selected HomeServe chairman Barry Gibson to succeed Lee Feldman as non-executive chairman when he steps down on 27 February 2020.

Gibson, who has also been appointed as a non-executive director with immediate effect, has previously held senior positions gambling companies William Hill and Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, where he was the senior independent director.

Other notable positions Gibson has held include group retailing director at BAA, group chief executive of Littlewoods, non-executive chairman of Harding Brothers Holdings, and non-executive director of both Somerfield and National Express.

Senior independent non-executive director Stephen Morana, who led the process to appoint a successor, said: "Our criteria for the new chairman included significant gambling sector experience, a demonstrable track-record of success on a range of high-profile public company boards, and a deep understanding of the evolving corporate governance landscape. After an extensive search, Barry stood out as exceeding all of those criteria."

Morana also thanked Feldman, who has served on the board of FTSE 250-listed GVC for 15 years and as chairman for 11 years, for playing an instrumental role in the business' transformation into a premium listed company.

At 0950 GMT, GVC shares were 3.30% lower at 867.80p and HomeServe shares were down 1.98% at 1,188.00p.