October, 2009
GLP is delighted to announce the addition of six new Operating Partners, increasing the total GLP Operating Partner network to fifty-two.

This development marks a significant milestone for GLP in the current climate and we are very proud to have added the varied talents of Nick Basing, Robert Drake, Barry Hardy, Orna Ni-Chionna, David Scowsill and Phil Wrigley across our travel, lodging, retail, gaming and media sectors.

The individuals who make up our Operating Partner network continue to offer a unique source of insight, experience, influence and sector expertise that serves to strengthen GLP’s strategic position.  In this market we feel the combination of strong management insight, investment banking know-how and access to capital is the best way to originate and successfully execute transactions.  As always, we would be more than happy to discuss opportunities where GLP and our Operating Partner network may prove beneficial to your situation.

The new Operating Partners include the following individuals (for their full biographies please go to the Operating Partner page of this website):

Nick Basing Nick is a well known figure in the UK leisure industry. He is CEO of Essenden, the UK market leader in tenpin bowling and entertainment centres.  Prior to this he was CEO for six years at Paramount Holdings where he led the operational recovery and transformation of the company that included Chez Gerard, Bertorelli and  the acquisition of the Caffe Uno chain.  Nick has held senior positions at Rank, First Leisure, Unilever and Granada, and worked on well known brands including HardRock Café, Odeon, Universal Studios, Travel Inn and Goodwood.  In 2006 Nick was awarded UK Retailers' Retailer of the Year and a “Catey”.  Nick was also NED of leading food distributor, Brakes Bros Holdings.

Robert Drake Bob has been the Group Chief Financial Officer of Galaxy Entertainment Group since April 2008. Prior to this, he served as Vice President of Finance of Harrah's Entertainment's Western Division in Las Vegas which primarily includes Harrah's 13 properties in Nevada including Caesars Palace, Paris and Flamingo. Previously, he was a Managing Director of Wm Sword & Co., a boutique investment banking firm located in Princeton, New Jersey.

Barry Hardy Former Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of London Clubs International plc, having worked with the company since 1989. Prior thereto Mr Hardy was a Senior Executive with Pleasurama plc. He is also a Qualified Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in US, European and African markets.

Orna Ni-Chionna Orna Ni-Chionna was a Partner at McKinsey & Company from 1990 to 2001, during which time she co-led their European Retail Practice.  Orna is currently Chairman of the Advisory Board of consulting firm Eden McCallum and is also Chair of the Soil Association, which campaigns for organic food and farming.  She is also the Senior Independent Director at Northern Foods plc, and a Director at HMV where she is chair of the Remuneration Committee. Orna recently completed a six year term as a Director of BUPA. She served on the UK Retail/Consumer Advisory Board of Apax LLP from 2005 to 2008.

David Scowsill David Scowsill is the former CEO of Opodo, SVP Sales, Marketing and IT at Hilton International, Director Asia Pacific at British Airways and Managing Director EMEA at American Airlines.  David now works on deals in the retail, technology, leisure and travel industries for Private Equity and Venture Capital. He is Chairman of Yuuguu and PrivateFly and NED of On the Beach Holidays and i-level Digital.

Phil Wrigley Phil is currently Chairman of the New Look Group with 25 years experience in retail. He transformed New Look from a small cap public company into private ownership and the 3rd largest womenswear retailer in the UK with rapid global growth. He has also led change programmes in a number of retail businesses as well as M&A activities in the UK and overseas whilst maintaining a focus on building strong and successful management teams. In his retail career he has worked as a Director in the New Look Group, Bhs, Dorothy Perkins and Debenhams and held responsibility for all the primary roles in retail from buying and merchandising , logistics, retail operations and marketing to finance.

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