Giles Willits Announced As Design Group Incoming CFO

Design Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Giles Willits as Chief Financial Officer.

Giles will replace Anthony Lawrinson, who is stepping down from the board as previously announced, effective from 2nd January 2018.

Giles, aged 51, has more than 20 years’ experience in senior leadership and financial roles in multiple household name businesses. He was most recently the Chief Financial Officer of Entertainment One Ltd. (LSE: ETO), having joined prior to its IPO on AIM in 2007. Giles was pivotal in the Group’s transition from AIM into a leading global FTSE 250 entertainment company and a household name, with properties such as Peppa Pig, The BFG and 12 Years a Slave in its portfolio. During his tenure the Group grew revenues to over £1bn and completed a number of strategic acquisitions including Alliance Films, The Mark Gordon Company and Peppa Pig.

Giles was also formerly Director of Group Finance at J Sainsbury plc and Woolworths Group plc and qualified as a chartered accountant at Price Waterhouse Coopers.

John Charlton, Non-Executive Chairman, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Giles to the Group and the Board. Giles has a wealth of experience working with major retail and media brands that we can draw upon and he will be an invaluable asset for the Group now and as we grow. Giles is joining at an exciting time for Design Group, as it embarks on its next stage of growth and we very much look forward to working with him to continue our successful journey.”