WINNIPEG, Manitoba, February 6, 2013 – Pollard Banknote Limited (TSX: PBL) (Pollard Banknote) is pleased to announce that Margaret R. DeFrancisco has joined the company as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development. In this newly established role, Ms. DeFrancisco will report directly to Doug Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer, and will help shape Pollard Banknote’s corporate strategy as the company continues to explore innovative and viable avenues for increasing lottery revenues and funding for worthy causes.
Ms. DeFrancisco brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new position at Pollard Banknote. For nearly nine years, she served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Georgia Lottery Corporation, where she oversaw sales growth from $2.6 billion in FY 2003 to a record $3.8 billion in FY 2012. Prior to that, Ms. DeFrancisco was the Director of the New York Lottery. Under her leadership, the Lottery’s sales increased from $3.6 billion in FY 1999 to $5.4 billion in FY 2003, making it the largest lottery in the United States.
“Pollard Banknote is thrilled to welcome Margaret DeFrancisco to our team,” said Doug Pollard. “Margaret’s esteemed reputation and remarkable success within the lottery industry will be a valued addition to our company and an excellent resource for our customers. Her expert understanding of all facets of the lottery business will greatly benefit Pollard Banknote’s ability to provide our customers with the very best products and services in the industry, as well as strategic advice that will undoubtedly drive sales.”
Ms. DeFrancisco remarked, “I am eager to embark on this new role with Pollard Banknote. Working with them throughout my lottery career has given me firsthand insight into the company’s innovative products and outstanding customer service. They are an exceptional team, which I am now fortunate enough to be a part of.”
About Pollard Banknote Limited
Pollard Banknote Limited is one of the world’s leading full-service lottery vendors and is a major supplier to North America’s charitable gaming industry. The company manufactures instant lottery tickets and provides related programming, design, and marketing support. As well, Pollard Banknote manufactures pull-tab tickets and bingo paper, and supplies lottery management services (including warehousing and distribution). Established in 1907, Pollard Banknote is owned approximately 73.5% by the Pollard family and 26.5% by public shareholders and currently serves more than 50 lotteries worldwide, including some of the largest and most respected lotteries in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Central and South America.
Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking” statements and information which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this document, such statements include such words as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan,” and other similar terminology. These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this document. There should not be an expectation that such information will in all circumstances be updated, supplemented, or revised whether as a result of new information, changing circumstances, future events, or otherwise.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Doug Pollard (dpollard@pbl.ca)
Co-Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: (204) 474-2323
Facsimile: (204) 453-1375
John Pollard (jpollard@pbl.ca)
Co-Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: (204) 474-2323
Facsimile: (204) 453-1375
Rob Rose (rrose@pbl.ca)
Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: (204) 474-2323
Facsimile: (204) 453-1375