New chairman at Ladbrokes plc ladbrokes

After eight years as Chairman Sir Ian Robinson has notified the ladbrokes plc board of his intention to step down following the 2009 AGM, due to be held on 15th May 2009.

The Board is pleased to announce that Peter Erskine, former Chief Executive of O2 plc and board member of Telefónica SA will join the board as a Non-Executive Director on 1st January 2009 and will take over as Chairman following the AGM.

Under Sir Ian's Chairmanship Ladbrokes has achieved a significant increase in gross win, which has risen from over £500 million in 2000 to £1.3 billion in 2007. The company has also extended its retail presence to Italy and Spain and has established itself as a world-leading provider of online betting and gaming services.

Christopher Bell, CEO of ladbrokesplc, commented:
"On behalf of the board I would like to thank Sir Ian for his valuable contribution over the past eight years. Peter Erskine's extensive international marketing background and experience of building brand-led businesses will be a big plus for the Company. He was responsible for the transformation of O2 plc - the ex BT wireless business - into a leading provider of mobile services in Europe and helped create considerable shareholder value. We are very pleased to welcome Peter Erskine to the board and as future Chairman."

Peter Erskine commented:
"ladbrokes is a world leader in the global betting and gaming market and has clear opportunities for international growth, including through its market-leading interactive channels. I look forward to playing a role in the further development of the business."