Ladbrokes, one of the world's leading bookmakers, today announced the appointment of two Non-Executive Directors to the Ladbrokes plc board.

Sly Bailey, 47, Chief Executive Officer of Trinity Mirror plc and Darren Shapland, 42, Chief Financial Officer of J Sainsbury plc both join the board with immediate effect.

Commenting on the appointments Ladbrokes plc Chairman Peter Erskine said: "Sly Bailey and Darren Shapland are highly experienced executives with a track record of significant achievements at major companies. The Ladbrokes board will be strengthened by the addition of their expertise."

Chief Executive Christopher Bell commented: "The extensive knowledge of retail and media that Darren Shapland and Sly Bailey bring to the Ladbrokes board will be of significant benefit as we take the business forward."