All change at William Hill with new Chairman

nd Ireland sportsbook operator William Hill has announced the departure of current chairman Gareth Davis, with effect from 2 April 2018.

Current Sports Information Services Limited (SIS) CEO, Roger Devlin, will become the new chairman designate of William Hill with effect from 1 February 2018, leaving SIS after nine years. William Hill is a 19.5% shareholder in SIS.

Devlin has previously served as an executive, non-executive and chairman in a number of listed companies and currently serves as chairman of leading pub operator and brewer Marston's PLC. Devlin is also currently a non-executive director of the Football Association and previously occupied the role of chairman at private gaming operator and developer Gamesys between 2006 and 2016.

Paying tribute to the outgoing Davis, Sir Roy Gardner, Senior Independent Director of William Hill said: "On behalf of the Board I would also like to take this early opportunity to thank Gareth Davis for his considerable contribution and commitment to the Group over the past seven years. "Gareth's experience, energy and commitment have been of considerable benefit to William Hill as we seek to continue to grow the business online and internationally, and to deliver our strategy. We look forward to working with him in the coming months and wish him well for the future."

Outgoing William Hill chairman Davis added: "I have greatly enjoyed my time at William Hill and am pleased the business is on a strong footing, continues to grow and has established strategic positions in key international markets. I will be working closely with Roger Devlin in the coming months to introduce him to the business before I step down as planned and I wish Roger all the best for his future at what is a great company."

William Hill’s new prospective chairman designate Devlin, commented: "William Hill is a business and brand I have greatly admired during my years in the leisure sector and more recently as Chair of SIS. I recognise that there are both immediate challenges to address for the industry and considerable medium and longer term opportunities for the Group, and I look forward to working with Philip Bowcock, his executive team and the Board to deliver further progress for the Group and shareholders."