Internet betting group Betfair has announced the appointment as a non-executive director of Baroness Denise Kingsmill CBE with effect from 1 February 2011. Baroness Kingsmill will also sit on Betfair’s Audit Committee.
Kingsmill was named deputy chairman of the Competition Commission in 1996 and remained until 2003, during which time she chaired 22 economic enquiries into almost every sector in UK industry. She then went on to chair three government-backed reviews and taskforces over the next six years for the Department of Trade and Industry and Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The Baroness is currently a member of Microsoft’s European Policy Council and a non-executive director of International Airlines Group (formed as a result of the merger between British Airways and Iberia).
Previously, she was a non-executive director at British Airways plc between 2004-2011. Amongst her other roles, she is also a non-executive director of both Horizon Acquisition Company plc and Korn/Ferry International.
Edward Wray, chairman of Betfair Group plc, commented: “I am delighted that Denise has agreed to join our Board. Her first-hand experience of the complex regulatory challenges facing international businesses coupled with her pragmatic approach will be extremely valuable to the Board and to Betfair.”
Kingsmill said: “This is a fascinating time to join Betfair. It is establishing itself as a public company and continuing its expansion into new markets and territories. I hope as a member of its Board I can support the company and its employees in achieving their goals and help deliver long term growth for its shareholders.”