Ten Entertainment appoints Anthony Smith as CFO

AIM-listed tenpin bowling operator Ten Entertainment has appointed Antony Smith as chief financial officer.

Smith, who most recently served as finance director of Wickes, the retail division of Travis Perkins, will join as CFO designate on 18 March and formally take up his position as CFO on 1 April, succeeding Mark Willis who will leave the group at the end of March.

Prior to his time at Wickes, Smith spent five years with Premier Foods and four years with RHM. He also spent two years as strategic finance manager at RAC and two years with Pearl Assurance as a strategy analyst. He began his career in 1996 with Alfred McApline.

Chief executive officer Duncan Garrood said: "Antony proved an outstanding candidate. He has significant experience and a proven track record in running efficient finance functions, while his expertise managing capital programmes will aid in the continued execution of our group strategy. I am looking forward to working with Antony and welcoming him to the leadership team."

Chairman Nick Basing said: "We conducted an extensive and rigorous search process. Antony understands our DNA and will complement well the strong leadership team formed. I look forward to welcoming Antony onto the board and working with him."

At 1310 GMT, the shares were up 3.1% to 235p.