Alongside confirming the departure of chairman Roger Withers, online gaming technology and services provider Playtech has strengthened its board with the appointment of Hilary Stewart-Jones, who will leave her partnership at law firm DLA Piper to take up the role.

Stewart-Jones is a leading international expert in gaming law and has over 15 years’ experience advising companies on gaming related issues.

She has been appointed as a non-executive director at Playtech with immediate effect, where she will chair the board’s Risk & Compliance Committee and Remuneration Committee and sit on the Audit Committee.

Stewart-Jones will be leaving the partnership of DLA Piper to take up her appointment but will remain a consultant with the firm. Prior to joining DLA, Stewart-Jones spent five years as in-house head of the gambling division at bookmaker Ladbrokes, before joining Berwin Leighton Paisner as a partner in 2000.  

She joined DLA in September 2011 at the same time as Stephen Ketteley as partners within the Intellectual Property & Technology group.

Playtech also this morning confirmed the departure of chairman Roger Withers following a board meeting yesterday. The company had announced in August that he would retire after seven years in the role. He is replaced by Alan Jackson.

Withers will be retained by the company as an adviser on industry matters until the end of September 2014.

Jackson, previously senior non-executive director of the company, has been appointed non-executive chairman with immediate effect.

Following his appointment, Jackson said: “On behalf of the board and Playtech’s shareholders, I thank Roger for his substantial contribution to the growth of the company. Roger has been a highly valued member of the Board and instrumental to Playtech’s significant success.

“I am also delighted to welcome Hilary as a non-executive Director. She brings a wealth of gaming sector knowledge which will enable her to make a significant contribution to the Company and its future growth.”

Shares in Playtech plc (Co. Data) (LSE:PTEC) have gained 1.74 per cent to 731.00 pence per share in London this morning following the announcement.