William Hill plc has confirmed that David Lowden has been appointed as a non-executive director from 1 April 2011.

Lowden was CEO of Taylor Nelson Sofres plc, a global market research and insight provider, from 2006 to 2009. He had previously been the COO and Group Finance Director for the company and senior financial positions within international companies such as A.C. Nielsen and Federal Express. He is a Chartered Accountant and provides recent and relevant financial experience.

He replaces David Allvey who has been a non-executive director since 2002. David retires from the Board shortly after the Annual General Meeting planned 12 May 2011. Lowden will take on his role as as chairman of the Audit and Risk Management Committee. David Edmonds who has been a non-executive director on the board since 2005 will adopt his role of Independent non-executive director.

Gareth Davis, chairman of William Hill added: "I am delighted that David Lowden has agreed to join the William Hill board. His extensive experience with international companies will be an asset to the group as we pursue an agenda of innovation and international development.

"On behalf of the board, I would like to thank David Allvey for his many years' service to William Hill. His contribution has been invaluable during a period of significant development for the group from its flotation through the Stanley acquisition, which made William Hill the UK's number one bookmaker, to the establishment and development of William Hill Online."