People news 19 October 2017
The latest people news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (12 October to 19 October 2017)
Jackpotjoy CEO Andy McIver departs
McIver to leave London-listed firm in January, with board looking for more “operational expertise”
Jackpotjoy plc (JPJ) CEO Andy McIver is to step down from his role following a restructuring of the company’s management team, it was announced on Monday.
JPJ said the board had decided “further operational expertise was needed” to ensure the company reached its growth prospects.
The company also said the decision was made in agreement with McIver after “several months of careful consideration”, with the exec to leave the firm on 31 January 2018.
McIver’s responsibilities will be taken over in part by chairman Neil Goulden, who will become executive chairman, responsible for long-term strategy.
Blockchain casino Funfair hires former William Hill director
Blockchain casino operator FunFair has hired former William Hill director David Greyling as its new chief operating operator.
FunFair said Greyling will oversee the company’s B2B service, which offers blockchain-based casino games to mainstream operators.
He will also be responsible for business development, finance, legal, regulation, HR, and establishing marketing and operations for the recently established company.
He previously held a number of roles at William Hill, the latest being director of international for the online business.
Gaming Realms appoints former Ladbrokes CEO to board
Gaming Realms has appointed former Ladbrokes chief executive Chris Bell to its board as a non-executive director.
Bell, who joins with immediate effect, held the Lads top job from 2006 to 2010, and holds a non-executive role at the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board.
He is also currently chairman of affiliate firm XLMedia Plc and the senior independent director of The Rank Group.
Michael Buckley, chairman of Gaming Realms, said: “We are delighted that Chris has agreed to join the company. He brings a wealth of experience of the gaming industry and extensive corporate knowledge which will help us to develop the Company further. We welcome him and greatly look forward to working with him.”
Paul Lee reappointed chairman of the Horserace Betting Levy Board
Paul Lee has been reappointed as chairman of the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) until 1 April 2019, it was announced on Tuesday.
Lee was initially appointed to the role in 1 October 2009 and will now see the position through to its conclusion.
The HBLB is set to be dissolved in April 2019, with its collection and spending responsibilities taken over by the Gambling Commission and a new Racing Authority respectively.
The change is part of the government’s reforms of the horseracing levy system, which also brought operators based offshore into the net for the first time.
NYX hires former Oracle vice president to head technology division
NYX Gaming Group has appointed former Oracle vice-president of engineering systems, Chris Armes, as group CTO.
In his role Armes will oversee the supplier’s support and product development teams across sportsbook, lotteries, bingo and casino, and assist in developing a cohesive delivery model.
He will also work closely with the teams to deliver the firm’s product strategy and roadmaps.
A NYX statement said Armes brings 25 years of experience in “managing high performing global teams, covering the full delivery experience for large-scale international projects, across both hardware and software”.
Paf appoints head of responsibility as deputy CEO
Aland-based operator Paf has appointed chief responsibility officer Daniela Johansson as deputy CEO.
Johansson has worked at the firm for 15 years, the last three of which have been on the senior management team.
A Paf statement said Johansson’s role as CRO had helped the company to becoming a leader in responsible gambling and inspire competitors to raise their level of responsibility.
Johansson said: “I am personally honoured by the appointment. I’m glad that the job I, and the whole department, do is important to Paf.”