Exclusive: Rob Painter joins Together for the Tote as CMO

Former Sky Betting & Gaming marketing chief Rob Painter has joined Together for the Tote as the company’s new chief marketing officer (CMO), EGR can reveal.

Painter takes up his new role today and will report into Mark Kemp, the company’s UK MD who himself starts on Tuesday 1 October having joined from Ladbrokes Coral.

Painter joins after a five-and-a-half year career at Sky Betting and Gaming, where he was most recently managing director for people and brand before departing in January.

Prior to SBG, Painter worked for News UK which included marketing directorships of The Sun, The Times and Sunday Times.

Alex Frost, Alizeti chief executive, said: “As we complete our plans for the 100% acquisition of the Tote, we are delighted to further strengthen the team with Rob’s appointment. His outstanding track record will ensure he can make a significant contribution to our future work of rejuvenating the Tote.”

Rob Painter

Alizeti currently owns 25% of the Tote but is “on track” to complete the acquisition from Betfred next month, according to the Telegraph.

The company held a £50m funding round over the summer.

“I am thrilled to be joining such a dynamic team with big plans for the Tote,” Painter added. “This is a once-in-a-career opportunity to contribute to enhancing a 90-year old institution which I believe can have a strong and exciting future.

“The Tote brand will be rejuvenated. I’m a fan of racing and I hope the Tote can make an important contribution to the sport in the years ahead.”

Painter joins a growing team of industry veterans on the Together for the Tote team including Jamie Hart, Ian Penrose and Barry Sage.