1 October 2008

NEW NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN AT H&T GROUP PLC

H&T Group, the UK's leading pawnbroker by size of pledgebook, is delighted to announce the appointment of Peter McNamara to the board as non-executive chairman. The appointment will be effective from today, 1 October 2008. 

Peter McNamara has worked with H&T Group as non-executive director for over two years. He was previously group managing director of Alliance and Leicester plc following a successful career at Lloyds Bank plc, where he was head of strategy and subsequently the managing director of personal banking. He has also worked as chairman of MoneyBox plc, deputy executive chairman of retailer Londis Holding Ltd and chief executive of Wesleyan Assurance Plc.

John Nichols, chief executive of H&T Group, commented: "Peter brings to the chairman's role a sound understanding of H&T Group and the pawnbroking sector, as well as unrivalled financial services PLC experience. We are looking forward to his leadership at the helm of the Board and his support to help H&T Group continue to grow." 

Peter McNamara commented: "I am delighted to be appointed to the Board of H&T Group as chairman. Against the background of vast uncertainty in banking and insurance, the centuries-old business of pawnbroking is evolving into a new world with different needs. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to further contribute to the expansion and development of this business. As a director I have been greatly impressed by the quality and loyalty of management, staff and our growing customer base. These are the bedrocks on which the business will deliver growing shareholder value."

Mr McNamara replaces non executive chairman Peter Middleton.

Information regarding the appointment of Peter McNamara as non-executive director: 

Full name: Peter Denis McNamara 

Age: 57 

Current Directorships: 

• H&T Group plc

• Notemachine Holdings Limited

• Scott Tod Limited

• TRM (ATM) Limited

Previous Directorships within the last five years: 

• Londis (Holdings) Limited 

• Moneybox Corporation Limited

• G2 Limited

• Charmseat Limited

• Radian Europe Limited

Peter McNamara has a beneficial interest in H&T Group consisting of [17,351] ordinary shares.

There are no further details to be disclosed under Rule 17 Schedule 2 paragraph (g) (i) to (viii) of the AIM Rules.

ENDS

• News Channel