North Wales-based coin-operated amusement company HB Leisure has appointed Alex Sparks as managing director.

Sparks previously spent 10 years with Virgin Group and 15 years with Blockbuster Entertainment, where he was UK managing director for seven years. HB Leisure's executive chair, Tim Batstone, said: "Alex's experience will be a huge asset to HBL as we grow the business over the coming years and I am delighted to welcome him to the team.

"We have great ambitions for the future and exciting plans to develop HBL further, both within the UK and overseas, which will complement our existing operations and interests. Alex will play a key role is these developments alongside myself and the rest of the senior management team and will provide significant input into the strategies we put in place to grow the company." HBL specialises in the supply and operation of skill and midway style games, coin-operated amusement games, amusement centres and pay to play activities.