Leeds' new boardroom signing

LEEDS SPORTING, which owns Leeds United Football Club, yesterday beefed up its board by appointing Richard North, finance director of Bass, as a non-executive director. He joins Asda chief executive Allan Leighton, who joined the board last month. The appointments help fill the gap left by Chris Akers, Leeds' chief executive, who is leaving the company. Unlike Mr Leighton, Mr North is not a Leeds supporter, although he said he "has always been a soccer fan".

Leeds Sporting yesterday said it was in discussions with a number of possible partners about developing its hotel and leisure complex, for which it should receive planning permission later this month. It is also considering setting up a Yorkshire-based sports and entertainment television channel.