Online gaming operator bwin.party has appointed Barry Gibson and Liz Catchpole as independent non-executive directors with effect from March 1.

Catchpole and Gibson will succeed Rod Perry Chairman of Remuneration and Helmut Kern Chairman of Audit & Risk Committee, who are both retiring from the board after the conclusion of the firm’s 2015 General Meeting.

Gibson, who currently serves as chairman of HomeServe and Harding Retail Group, worked as the senior independent director and chairman of the remuneration committee at William Hill and Playtech, as well as HomeServe and National Express Group and Catchpole is a chartered certified accountant with executive experience primarily across the insurance, business services and property sectors.

bwin.party confirmed that it is in the search for independent directors, following its May 2014 announcement that the firm would restructure its board of directors in order to gain expertise in information technology, market trends and technology delivery in consumer-facing digital businesses.

“I am very pleased to welcome Liz and Barry to bwin.party. Their backgrounds will complement the portfolio of skills and experience of the other directors, whilst also filling the gaps left by Rod and Helmut when they retire later this year,” said bwin.party Chairman Philip Yea.

Gibson will take the role of chairman of the remuneration committee and senior independent director, with Catchpole being appointed as chairman of the audit and risk committee.

Meanwhile, Gala Coral appointed its marketing specialist Victoria Reed as head of the Playtech-powered Gala Bingo brand, directly reporting to Gala brand director Alison Digges.