Ashley Appoints Drug Tsar

[trophyshy 7094]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbys...rts-Direct.html

 

Former 'drugs tsar' Keith Hellawell to chair Sports Direct

Tony Blair's former drugs adviser Dr Keith Hellawell has joined Newcastle United FC owner Mike Ashley's Sports Direct chain as chairman.

 

The retailer has been without a full-time chairman since May 2007, when David Richardson quit the post saying he was "unable to establish a strong working relationship with the executive team''.

 

The 30-month chairman-vacuum had been filled by Simon Bentley, a non-executive director of the retailer who became acting chairman.

 

On Tuesday, Mr Bentley said: "I am very pleased that Keith has agreed to join us and look forward to working closely with him.

 

"He brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest levels of both public and private sectors and will make a major contribution to the development of the company."

 

Dr Hellawell, who started in the role on Tuesday, said that he was "very much looking forward to contributing to Sports Direct's continuing success in the retail sector".

 

Dr Hellawell became the Government's drugs tsar in 1998 and stayed in the role for three and half years. Prior to that he was chief constable of West Yorkshire police.

 

He is currently non-executive chairman of Goldshield Group, the pharmaceutical company, which he joined in May 2006.

 

Sports Direct has had a tricky relationship with some of its non-executive directors. Just a few months after the departure of Mr Richardson, Chris Bulmer, a non-executive director, left. She said via a spokesman: "Independent directors need to insist on the corporate governance rules being applied correctly. Otherwise what's the point?''

 

Dr Hellawell has a busy in-tray. The retailer is currently being investigated by the Office of Fair Trading and the Serious Fraud Office.

 

Last month, Sports Direct said that trading over the past few months has been in line with its expectations.

[Garry 0]

Dr Hellawell has a busy in-tray. The retailer is currently being investigated by the Office of Fair Trading and the Serious Fraud Office.

There's lots of talk about his time as the Drugs Tzar but his experience as a copper is probably what will be most useful in the role.

[Bibble 0]

There's lots of talk about his time as the Drugs Tzar but his experience as a copper is probably what will be most useful in the role.

 

Gamekeeper turned poacher?

 

Ashley clearly sees an advantage in having a former senior plod as chairman.

 

I can't see it lasting.

[Bibble 0]

PRO-HASH 'TACHE GETS ASH CASH

 

[Asprilla 96]

PRO-HASH 'TACHE GETS ASH CASH

 

 

Good work sir!

[Billy Castell 0]

PRO-HASH 'TACHE GETS ASH CASH

 

 

Hats off,that was good.

 

Maybe Ashley realised how unpopular he is and is moving to surround himself with people with knowledge of security etc. Therefore I expect to see Andy McNab in as Director of football (though perhaps 'see' is the wrong adjective), and former Manchester police cheif John Stalker joining the club in some capacity. So expect the stands at St. James' Park to have electric sun awnings and garage doors.