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Industry giant Entain has announced that Helen Ashton will be stepping into the role of Independent Non-Executive Director, effective immediately.
We say industry giant, of course, but Entain’s dwindling share price and lack of a permanent CEO suggests a tough job for any new recruits.
Currently, Ashton is a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee of JD Sports. This, alongside her 30+ years of previous professional experience, which includes executive-level roles at Barclays, ASDA and Lloyds Banking Group, as well as a stint as CFO of ASOS plc, will make her a well-seasoned addition to Entain’s Board. Ashton’s new appointment also sees her become a member of Entain’s Audit Committee.
Commenting on Ashton’s appointment, Barry Gibson, outgoing Chairman of Entain, said: “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Helen to Entain. Helen brings a wealth of retail, digital, financial and board experience. As part of the continued strengthening of the Entain Board, I am confident that Helen will further enhance the Board’s ability to support and oversee the delivery of our strategy.”
Gibson, himself, is set to be succeeded by Stella David by the end of September this year, after announcing his retirement as CEO and Chairman of the Entain Board in April.
Last month, the Group fell under the legal microscope once again for allegedly failing to notify shareholders of legal proceedings surrounding bribery and corruption. The case ultimately cost Entain £585m ($764m); however, this latest development could open the Group up to a further £100m litigation claim.
Ashton’s wide-ranging experience will make her a welcome addition to the Board as it attempts to navigate these complicated proceedings and put the case to rest.
