Ezcorp names new board member

NEW YORK — Ezcorp. Inc., a pawn shop owner and payday lender, said Thursday it named Joseph J. Beal to its board of directors.

Beal was general manager and CEO of the Lower Colorado River Authority, before he retired in 2008.

He replaces Richard M. Edwards, who retired from the board.

As a director, Beal will have the standard compensation plan for non-employee directors, who receive an annual retainer fee — expected to be about $60,000 for fiscal 2010. He will also receive an annual grant of restricted stock — about 6,000 shares for fiscal 2010. The annual cash retainer fee is paid quarterly, and the annual restricted stock awards are made on or about Oct. 1 each year.

Shares rose 5 cents to $13.45 during midday trading.