Jessops appoint new chairman
4 May 2007
Jessops, the specialist photographic retailer, is pleased to announce that David Adams will join the Board as Executive Chairman with immediate effect.

David Adams, 52, brings extensive retail management and financial experience to the role, gained from over 20 years in retailing, most recently as Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director of House of Fraser PLC and a non-executive director of Ottakars plc prior to its acquisition by HMV plc. Before joining House of Fraser in 1997, he was Group Finance Director of Asprey plc and before that Finance Director of Texas Homecare. He also spent six years in divisional finance roles within The Burton Group plc, as the Finance Director of Dorothy Perkins and of Top Shop.

Gavin Simonds, who has been Chairman since the flotation of Jessops, steps down from the Board today, the Company having secured David Adams as Chairman before the intended date of Gavin's retirement at the interim results.

Chris Langley, Chief Executive of Jessops commented: "Gavin has made an enormous contribution to Jessops since the float. The Board and I would like to thank him for this and wish him well for the future. I am delighted that we have been able to secure someone with David's experience, which represents a strong endorsement of the business. His considerable plc and retail experience at senior levels will be of great benefit to the Board and the business. I look forward to working with him as we tackle the current challenging market conditions."

David Adams said: "I have always had a high regard for Jessops. Although the business has faced very tough market conditions recently, I look forward to working with Chris and the team as we develop and implement our strategy for the future."

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