Exciting Management Changes At Derby House

DERBY House is pleased to announce the appointment of two new directors to the board to assist in the continued expansion of the group.

Norman Finnigan has been appointed non-executive Chairman and Dara O'Malley becomes Managing Director with effect from April 22, 2003 with Paul Dickson becoming Commercial Director for the Group.

Norman Finnigan is an executive director of Otto UK/Grattan/Freemans where he is responsible for Human Resources and all customer facing activities including Call Centres.

He has focused on major strategic projects covering restructuring of business operations and has a proven record at delivering business success.

"It is an exciting time to be joining Derby House," says Norman. "Growth and expansion are both key strategies for the future and will come under my remit."

Dara O'Malley has joined Derby House from Littlewoods Retail where he was head of mature market business. He has spent 25 years in the Home Shopping and retail sectors with N Brown Group and Oldhams Leisure after starting his career with Littlewoods. Dara has a broad base of experience to bring to the ongoing development of Derby House.

Said Dara: "I am looking forward to new challenges and taking one of the country's leading equestrian retail and mail order businesses into a new era.

"My role at Derby House will involve initiating, developing and implementing strategies to generate additional growth as the company expands."

His appointment to this challenging role is another step forward in plans by the company to take retailing and mail order to new heights.

Paul Dickson, well known throughout the equestrian sector as a key figure at Derby House, now takes on the role of commercial director.

He says: "I am delighted that Dara is joining the team and I believe Norman's enormous experience will be invaluable. This will allow me to concentrate on buying for the company and developing new areas and avenues which are both very exciting prospects indeed."

Adds Dara: "The launch of a new logo and identity by the company is the first stage in the further development of the Derby House brand to be followed by significant changes and improvements in the service we offer our customers."