Gala Coral appoints new CEO

Gala Coral has hired former Marks & Spencer director Carl Leaver as its new chief executive, with chairman and interim CEO Neil Goulden stepping down from the board after nearly 10 years at the retail and online operator.

Goulden had been serving as chief executive since July, when Dominic Harrison stepped down following the completion by the company of a complex restructuring aimed at lowering its restrictively high debt.

Leaver was most recently director of international, home and direct at retailer Marks & Spencer, prior to which he was CEO of De Vere Group, having joined from UK leisure and brewing business Whitbread.

The betting and gaming giant has also hired Debenhams chief executive Rob Templeman as a non-executive chairman.

Commenting on the new appointments, Goulden said: “I would like to warmly welcome Carl and Rob to the Gala Coral Group. They both have huge reputations built upon a successful track record in the retail and leisure sectors. I have no doubt that they will have a significant positive impact on the Group.

“On a personal level I feel the time is now right to step down from the group. Having successfully led the group through its recent financial restructuring, and helped to recruit a top-notch chairman and CEO to work alongside our CFO, Gary Hughes, I know that I am leaving the company in good shape and in very capable hands.

Goulden will stay with the group until January 2011 to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities, and has also signed a three-year agreement to advise in a consultancy role for Gala Coral. He will also continue to represent the group on various trade bodies. Goulden has also been invited by the board to become chairman Emeritus, in recognition of his contribution to Gala Coral.