Dransfields Announces Leadership Transition

Dransfield Novelty Company Limited is pleased to announce an important milestone in its ongoing growth and long‑term leadership strategy.

After three decades of dedicated service, current Managing Director Chris Haley will transition into the role of Group Chairman in May of this year, succeeding Robert Dransfield, who is retiring following a remarkable tenure guiding the company’s success and stability.

Chris’s 30 years at the Company have seen Dransfields strengthen its position as the UK’s leading supplier of gaming and amusement machines to pubs and clubs, while maintaining the company’s longstanding values of integrity, innovation and outstanding customer service.

Stepping into the position of Managing Director will be Peter Davies, a highly respected and well‑known figure within the gaming machine supply industry. Peter brings deep sector expertise, longstanding industry relationships, and a practical understanding of the evolving needs of operators and customers alike. His appointment reflects Dransfields’ commitment to continuity, strong leadership, and future-focused development.

At the same time Quentin Stott of Reflex Gaming Limited will be appointed to the Dransfields Board,  Claire Naylor will be appointed to the Board as Commercial Director, and Ian Chuter will become Group Non-Executive Director

Speaking on the transition, Chris Haley said:

“It has been a privilege to lead Dransfields for the past 30 years, and I am incredibly proud of what our team has achieved together. As I move into the role of Group Chairman, I look forward to supporting the continued growth of the business while working closely with Peter as he takes on this important leadership role. Peter is widely respected across the industry, and his experience and approach make him the ideal choice to guide Dransfields into its next chapter.”

This leadership transition marks an exciting new phase for Dransfields as the company continues to innovate, invest in its people, and deliver high‑quality products and services to customers throughout the UK.

This includes the recent senior management appointments of Roz Sage to Compliance Manager, Stefan Podlanski to Senior Product Manager and Matthew Linstead to Technical Services Director.

Peter Davies said:

Dransfields are a company I have long admired. From my early career selling gaming machines to them and subsequently watching the quiet, understated and impressive growth of the company over the prevailing years. This is testament to Chris and Robert’s leadership and I feel honoured to be appointed to lead the company into its next chapter. The company clearly puts great value on its history, people, customers and partners and I fully intend to nurture this ‘people first’ approach whilst evolving the business where it makes sense to. I’m delighted Chris is stepping up to take on the Group Chairman role and I look forward to supporting him. I am also very pleased to be able to work closely with Quentin Stott and the team at Reflex as they continue to develop market leading technology and games.

Quentin Stott added: Since Reflex was acquired by Dransfields in 2019, it has been a pleasure to work alongside Chris as our businesses have continued to focus on individual core competencies, whilst also ensuring the Group strategy be delivered. I wish Robert all the best for his impending retirement and know that Chris will provide strong guidance as Group Chairman in his stead. I also look forward to working with Peter to further continue the good work done by both businesses to date and am certain that Dransfields values and ethos will remain at the centre of everything we do going forwards.

Return to the previous page

19 March 2026

See all news...