BOWL Hollywood Bowl Group Plc

7 October 2024

Hollywood Bowl Group plc

(the "Company")

 Chairman Succession Announcement

Hollywood Bowl Group, the largest ten-pin bowling operator in the UK and Canada, announces that Peter Boddy will retire as Chairman and step down as a Director at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting on 30 January 2025 (the "AGM"), after ten years of service.

Darren Shapland will be appointed as an independent Non-Executive Director and Chair Designate, as well as a member of the Nomination and Corporate Responsibility Committees, effective 1 December 2024. He will succeed Peter as Chair of the Board and Nomination Committee Chairman, pending his election as a director at the AGM.

Darren brings extensive experience from his 35-year career in retail and consumer businesses, having served as CFO for J Sainsbury Plc, Superdrug, a number of divisions of Burton Group Plc, and CFO and CEO for Carpetright Plc. He is currently a Non-Executive Director at JD Sports Fashion PLC, as well as Chair of a number of Venture Capital backed and privately owned businesses.

He has also previously held several Non-Executive Chair and Audit Chair roles, including Poundland Plc, Ferguson Plc, Ladbrokes Plc and Topps Tiles Plc.

Peter Boddy, Chairman of Hollywood Bowl Group, commented:

"After ten memorable and exciting years at the helm of this amazing business, this is a good moment for change. I am extremely happy that the Board has proposed Darren to succeed me as Chairman. Darren is someone with immense business experience, combined with qualities of independence, integrity and ambition. I shall very much enjoy watching the Company's continued domestic and international growth in the years ahead."

Stephen Burns, Chief Executive of Hollywood Bowl Group, added:

"Peter has been an exceptional Chairman over the last ten years. On behalf of the Board, I'd like to thank Peter for his insight and counsel. We are immensely grateful for his support which has helped Hollywood Bowl Group develop, grow and achieve so much during his tenure. Peter will be succeeded by Darren who brings a depth of financial, business and international knowledge that will help Hollywood Bowl Group reach its ambitious goals."

Darren Shapland, Non-Executive Director and Chair Designate of Hollywood Bowl Group stated:

"I am delighted to be asked to take over as Chairman of this vibrant and growing international leisure business.  I look forward to working with the Board and the management team and supporting the Group in achieving its ambitions for further growth."

In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, Darren Shapland's appointment followed a rigorous and independent recruitment process led by Rachel Addison in her capacity as the Company's Senior Independent Director and member of the Nominations Committee. This process was conducted in accordance the Board's established non-executive succession plan.

Other than as set out above, there are no matters to declare under UK Listing Rule 6.4.8R

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