Directorate Change

RNS Number : 3181P

Hargreaves Lansdown PLC

03 October 2011

 



Additions to the Board of Hargreaves Lansdown plc

The Board of Hargreaves Lansdown plc is pleased to announce the appointment of two additional independent non-executive directors as of 3rd October 2011.

Dharmash Mistry

Dharmash Mistry is a partner at Balderton Capital LLC, one of Europe's leading venture capital firms and a non-executive director at Dixons Retail plc. Prior to this he served on the board of Lovefilm International Ltd and was Group Managing Director of Emap Consumer Media Ltd. He currently also serves on the boards of Habbo Hotel (Sulake), My-Wardrobe, KupiVip, Achica Ltd, Ewise and Mog. He started his career as a Brand Manager at Procter and Gamble, followed by a period at The Boston Consulting Group.

Other than his directorships of Dixons Retail plc, there are no matters required by paragraphs LR 9.6.13R (1) to (6) of the listing rules to be disclosed in relation to Dharmash Mistry.

Stephen Robertson

Stephen Robertson has been Director General of British Retail Consortium (BRC) since 2008.  The BRC represents the interests of UK retail to Governments and media. He is also a non-executive director of Timpson Group plc.

Stephen's career has spanned 14 years on the boards of major UK retailers building on earlier management roles with Mars Inc, Unilever and Alberto-Culver. Stephen served for seven years as Marketing Director at B&Q plc before leading the acquisition of Screwfix Direct Ltd which he then chaired.  He went on to become Director of Communications at Kingfisher plc and took the helm of the Ellen MacArthur sponsorship, followed by three years as an executive director of Woolworths Group plc. He is a former Chairman, and now fellow, of the Marketing Society.

Other than his directorship of Woolworths Group plc, there are no matters required by paragraphs LR 9.6.13R (1) to (6) of the listing rules to be disclosed in relation to Stephen Robertson.

Comment

Mike Evans, Chairman of Hargreaves Lansdown plc, said "We are pleased to welcome Dharmash and Stephen to the Board.  Our Board now comprises nine directors, with the majority being independent. This more than satisfies the requirements of the UK Corporate Governance Code, and we believe it is a strong board to support our Chief Executive and his executive team.

The Hargreaves Lansdown plc Nominations Committee carried out a broad search before selecting Dharmash and Stephen.  Both are accomplished board members with extensive private and FTSE board experience.  Dharmash brings broad expertise in digital media and marketing and Stephen provides high street retail knowledge, with his BRC experience enhancing our lobbying capability. These skills diversify the expertise round the board table and will add both value and challenge.

We noted the Davies' report when formulating the selection criteria, although the Board is firmly of the view that achieving diversity is a far wider subject than just gender. Following these appointments, female members of the senior management team make up 25% of the Executive Committee (33% when including the company secretary) and 11% of the Hargreaves Lansdown plc Board."

Ian Gorham, Chief Executive, stated "I am very pleased Dharmash and Stephen are joining the team.  Their credentials fit our strategic direction perfectly."

Any queries should be addressed to Ben Yearsley or Ian Gorham, who can be contacted on 0117 988 9880.

 

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