Directorate Change and Search for Permanent Chair

World Chess PLC

22 May 2026

 

World Chess Plc

 ("World Chess" or the "Company")

Appointment of Interim Chair and Commencement of Search for Permanent Chair

World Chess (LSE: CHSS), a leading chess organisation that develops and operates worldchess.com, the official online gaming platform of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), announces that, further to the Company's announcement of 12 February 2026, Jamison F. Firestone, currently Senior Independent Director, has been appointed Interim Chair of the Board with immediate effect.

Mr Firestone will serve as Interim Chair while the Board conducts a formal search for a permanent Chair.

About Jamison F. Firestone

Mr Firestone is an internationally recognised attorney and a member of the New York Bar, based in London. He was managing partner of Firestone Duncan a combined legal and audit practice for sixteen years and is the founder of FD Advisory, an international law practice, advising clients on sanctions and cross-border matters.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, Mr Firestone has become a globally respected figure in the fields of international law, corporate governance and the rule of law. He has been a long-standing public advocate for transparency and integrity in business, and his work has been cited and featured in leading international publications, including Foreign Policy, The Lawyer and the Financial Times. He has advised governments and parliamentary bodies in multiple jurisdictions on matters of sanctions and accountability.

Mr Firestone has been a Senior Independent Director at World Chess Plc and brings to the role of Interim Chair significant experience in international corporate governance and the oversight of complex cross-border organisations.

Statement by Jamison F. Firestone, Interim Chair

"It is a privilege to step into this role and help The Board to identify the right permanent Chair to lead the Company through its next phase of growth, and I look forward to supporting the management team in the meantime. World Chess operates at the intersection of sport, media and technology, in a sector that demands the highest standards of governance."

Statement by Ilya Merenzon, CEO

"Jamison's appointment as Interim Chair provides the Board with continuity, independence and considerable international standing at a time when the Company is executing on an ambitious growth strategy. His global stage and reputation is exactly the kind of leadership the Board values."

Chair Succession Process

The Company has commenced a process to appoint a permanent Chair. A further announcement will be made in due course.

This announcement contains information which, prior to its disclosure, was inside information as stipulated under Regulation 11 of the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019/310 (as amended).

For more information, visit: www.worldchess.com or contact:

World Chess Ilya Merenzon, CEO	[e-mail]
AlbR Capital Limited - Financial Adviser David Coffman / Dan Harris	[phone]

About World Chess Plc

World Chess (LSE: CHSS) is a leading chess organisation that develops and operates worldchess.com, a subscription platform with over one million users and the official online platform of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The Company organized several World Chess Championships, including in New York and London. It organises the Armageddon Series and produces The World Chess Show, distributed across more than 50 international markets. More at worldchess.com.

 

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