Hills appoints John O'Reilly and Mark Brooker to board

William Hill has appointed former Coral Interactive MD, John O’Reilly, and ex-Betfair COO, Mark Brooker, to the board as the operator looks to strengthen its digital capabilities.

The former Coral and Betfair directors will both join the UK operator as non-executive directors early next year, along with Tesco’s ex-chief customer officer (CCO) Robin Terrell.

O’Reilly has more than 24 years’ experience in the gambling space having established and led Ladbrokes’ online arm from 1998 to 2010 and more recently oversaw the rejuvenation of the Coral Interactive business as MD.

He was also chairman of gaming technology specialist Grand Parade which was acquired by William Hill in August as part of a £13.6m deal.

Brooker, who will join the operator on 3 April 2017, was chief operating officer and an executive director at Betfair, having previously worked as managing director of the firm’s Sports business.

“William Hill has achieved a tremendous amount in the sector in recent years,” Brooker said.

“The challenge now is to fully capitalise on the opportunity the Group has from one of the best brands in the industry and a very capable team of people.”

Tesco’s former CCO, Robin Terrell, makes up the final of a trio of non-exec hires at William Hill and will use his retail expertise to help the operator improve its multi-channel strategy.

Terrell was also previously vice president and managing director UK to John Lewis and at Tesco held a number of other senior roles including interim managing director, UK and group multi-channel director.

“These appointments significantly enhance the board’s digital, multi-channel and gambling industry experience,” Gareth Davis, chairman of William Hill, said.

“John’s, Robin’s and Mark’s collective expertise will strengthen the business as we implement our strategy of digital and international diversification,” Davis added.