Frasers Group plc, the parent of Sports Direct, Slazenger, Donnay, LA Gear, No Fear, and Antigua, is reporting that David Daly will step down as Board chairman after eight years. Jon Thompson will succeed him as chair. Frasers also appointed Andy Lyon, formerly at PwC, as a non-executive Board director.

Frasers is also seeking two additional non-executives for the Board. This search comes as David Daly, Ger Wright and Helen Wright are not seeking re-election at the company’s annual meeting on September 24.

Frasers said Thompson joined the group’s board of directors in June 2024 as a non-executive director. He brings extensive experience in corporate governance and major project management. Frasers said his appointment to chair “marks an important step in supporting Frasers Group’s long-term strategy as it continues to strengthen its position as a global business.”

Lyon is a former partner at PwC. His expertise includes acting as an audit partner for Next and its credit business. According to Frasers, he “would add significant financial and governance experience to further strengthen the team as it develops Frasers Plus.”

Michael Murray, CEO of Frasers Group, commented: “I would like to thank David for his outstanding leadership, guidance, and the wealth of expertise he brought to the Board, which has been instrumental in helping us deliver on our Elevation Strategy. We wish him all the very best for the future. I would also like to thank Ger and Helen for their contributions during their time with Frasers Group.”

Murray added, “I’m equally delighted to announce our proposed new appointment to the Board with Andy, as well as Jon’s confirmed appointment to Chair, as we enter the next phase of our strategy. Jon’s deep experience in corporate governance and strategic leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow as a leading global retail business.”

Thompson commented: “I am very much looking forward to working alongside Board colleagues, the Group Executive Team and the wider company to continue Fraser Group’s evolution. I would like to acknowledge David’s significant contribution to the development of Frasers over the last eight years and thank him for his expert leadership. He leaves Frasers and the Board well-positioned to enable the future success of the Elevation Strategy.”

Image courtesy Sports Direct