Playtech appoints new interim chair as Covid-19 delays process

Playtech has appointed non-executive director Claire Milne as its interim chairman to replace previous chairman Alan Jackson from 20 May.

In line with other executive members of the Playtech board, Milne will receive a salary of £232,000 per annum, reduced by 20% from the appointed statutory remuneration of £290,000 per annum.

Playtech’s executive and non-executive directors agreed a 20% pay cut with effect from April 2020 as part of contingency measures aimed at shoring up its finances following the coronavirus lockdown.

Milne has served as a non-exec director of the London-listed supplier since 2016 and is chairman of the firm’s risk committee, also serving on its remuneration and nomination committees.

Milne thanked her predecessor Jackson for his “enthusiasm and dedication” to the business since its IPO in 2006 and during his time as chair.

“The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has led us to temporarily pause the final stages of our recruitment process,” said Milne. “I am very pleased to have been asked to act as interim chairman and will look to provide the necessary continuity ahead of the process concluding,” she added.

Jackson previously indicated to Playtech that he would not stand for re-election as chair, ending a 13-year stint with the business, seven of which he served as chairman.

Playtech revealed the recruitment process for a permanent chair is being delayed due to restrictions in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The process to appoint a permanent chairman will conclude once the business and market environment normalise,” Playtech reported.