Executive Change: Collection House Names Matt Thomas as CEO

Collection House Limited (ASX Code: CLH) Chairman John Pearce today announced that Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Tony Aveling had given notice of his intention to retire and that the new CEO would be Matt Thomas, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer.

In making the announcement, Mr Pearce said succession planning had always been a priority for the Board to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership.

On behalf of the Board, Mr Pearce paid tribute to Mr Aveling’s exceptional contribution during his term as MD/CEO. “Tony has been an outstanding leader and the Company is in a far stronger position as a result of his initiatives. Matt will inherit a first class business which is well placed to embark on the next phase of its expansion.”

Mr Aveling said he had only intended to lead the Company for two years but had remained for three-and-a-half years to fully complete what had been a period of significant change. “This is the optimum time to hand over to new leadership,” Mr Aveling said. “Collection House is now strongly placed in its chosen markets, we have clearly demonstrated a track record of delivering growth in profits and dividends, and we are well placed with our strategic priorities. Most of all, we have a strong Executive Team and I am confident that, under Matt’s first class leadership, they will continue to enhance value for shareholders.”

Mr Thomas will take over as CEO when Mr Aveling steps aside after announcing the 09/10 preliminary financial results by the end of July.

Mr Pearce said Mr Thomas was an outstanding executive with wide experience in all facets of the Industry. “The Board is absolutely convinced Matt Thomas is the best candidate to take over and lead Collection House through the next exciting phase of its growth,” Mr Pearce said.

Mr Thomas has more than 20 years of experience in collections across a broad range of industries including banking and finance, insurance, government, telecommunications and small business.

He gained experience as a collection officer, field agent and paralegal before moving into management roles including Chief Information Officer. He has been Chief Operating Officer since 2007 during which time he has managed the majority of operations in Australia and New Zealand, as well as Information Technology and Call Centre operations.

Mr Thomas said he was honoured to be the next CEO of Collection House. “This is a passing of the baton and there will be a continuation of the strategies which have served us so well, particularly capitalising on our strengths in debt purchasing, contingent collections and receivables management,” he said. “I am very optimistic about our future.”

About Collection House Limited
Collection House is a public company which listed on the Australian Securities Exchange on 4 October 2000. The Collection House group of companies employs over 580 trained personnel in 10 Australasian sites. The group focuses on providing receivables management, debt purchasing and debt collection services in all Australian states and territories and throughout New Zealand.

For further information about the company please visit www.collectionhouse.com.au