H&T Group PLC (LON:HAT) has named recently appointed executive director Chris Gillespie as its chief executive from January 1, 2021.
Gillespie only joined the pawnbroking firm in September having previously been managing director of the Consumer Credit Division of Provident Financial PLC (LON:PFG) since 2017. He has also held senior positions with Madison CF UK, Amigo Loans Ltd and Albemarle & Bond.
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He is replacing John Nichols, who is retiring on December 31, 2020, after nearly 24 years of service with the group.
“John executed a management buyout of the firm in September 2004 and was instrumental in its subsequent successful flotation onto the AIM market,” Peter McNamara, H&T chairman said in a statement.
“At the time of the flotation we had 69 branches, and now we are at 252 branches which is a testament to John's drive and effort. Much of what the business has achieved has been as a result of John's close understanding of the business, his belief in the longevity and resilience of our core business activity as well as his working relationships with the branch colleagues. Together their contribution has been key to the success of H&T where others in the sector have often not prospered."