Appointment of Non-executive Chairman
Summary by AI BETAClose X
2 February 2026
XP Factory plc
("XP Factory", the "Company" or the "Group")
Appointment of Non-executive Chairman
XP Factory plc (AIM: XPF), one of the UK's pre-eminent experiential leisure businesses operating the Escape Hunt® and Boom Battle Bar® brands, is pleased to announce the appointment of James van den Bergh as Independent Non-executive Chairman with immediate effect. James succeeds Richard Rose following the announcement on 29 September 2025 of Richard's intention to step down from his role.
James currently serves as CEO of TruFin Plc ("TruFin"), an AIM-listed company, where he has created significant shareholder value through a clear strategic focus, profitable growth and disciplined capital allocation. These same principles will underpin his approach as Chair of XP Factory.
TruFin was spun out of Arrowgrass Capital Partners in 2018, with James appointed CEO in September 2019. Having begun his career at Merrill Lynch, James entered investment management in 2003 and later led Arrowgrass's unlisted markets and alternative finance team. He brings deep relationships with both institutional investors and family offices.
Richard Harpham, CEO, commented: "It's been an absolute pleasure working with Richard Rose since I assumed the role of CEO in 2017. On behalf of the Board, I'd like to thank Richard for his wise support and guidance during a period which has seen XP Factory grow from a business with revenues of £0.9m in FY16 to almost £58m in FY25. We are delighted that James van den Bergh has agreed to succeed Richard as Chairman and look forward to working with him to help unlock value and capitalise on the opportunities ahead."
INFORMATION REQUIRED UNDER SCHEDULE TWO PARAGRAPH(G) AND RULE 17 OF THE AIM RULES FOR COMPANIES IN RESPECT OF JAMES VAN DEN BERGH
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Full name: |
James Andrew Gerald van den Bergh |
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Age |
47 |
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XP Factory plc ordinary shares held: |
371,647 |
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Mr van den Bergh holds or has held the following directorships or partnerships in the past five years |
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Current directorships: |
TruFin plc TruFin Software Limited PlayIgnite Ltd PlayStack Limited Oxygen Finance Group Limited Oxygen Finance Limited Satago Financial Solutions Limited TruFin Holdings Ltd |
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Previous directorships |
Porge Ltd |
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AltLending (UK) Ltd Vertus Capital Limited Vertus Capital SPV1 Limited Oxford Bioelectronics Ltd |
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Save for the information above, there are no further disclosures to be made in accordance with Rule 17 and Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules for Companies in respect of the appointment.
Enquiries:
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XP Factory Plc Richard Harpham (Chief Executive Officer)
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+44 (0) 20 7846 3322 |
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Singer Capital Markets, NOMAD and Broker Peter Steel James Todd
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+44 (0) 20 7496 3000 |
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IFC Advisory - Financial PR https://www.investor-focus.co.uk/ Graham Herring Florence Staton
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+44 (0) 20 3934 6630 |
Notes to Editors:
About XP Factory plc
The XP Factory Group is one of the UK's pre-eminent experiential leisure businesses which currently operates two fast growing leisure brands. Escape Hunt is a global leader in providing escape-the-room experiences delivered through a network of owner-operated sites in the UK, an international network of franchised outlets and through digitally delivered games which can be played remotely.
Boom Battle Bar is a fast-growing network of owner-operated and franchise sites in the UK that combine competitive socialising activities with themed cocktails, drinks and street food in a high energy, fun setting. Activities include a range of games such as augmented reality darts, Bavarian axe throwing, 'crazier golf', shuffleboard and others. The Group's products enjoy premium customer ratings and cater for leisure or teambuilding, in small groups or large, and are suitable for consumers, businesses and other organisations. The Company has a strategy to expand the network in the UK and internationally, creating high quality games and experiences delivered through multiple formats and which can incorporate branded IP content. (https://xpfactory.com/)
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