Sportech appoints new CFO

Sportech has announced the appointment of Cliff Baty as its new chief financial officer, following the resignation of long-serving FD Steve Cunliffe in November.

Baty, who will be based at Sportech’s head office in London and report directly to CEO Ian Penrose, will join the operator from Ladbrokes where he has spent the last seven years. He is currently serving a finance director of both its International businesses and corporate development, and was previously FD of Lads’ egaming business.

He will join the Board of Sportech and assume the role of CFO on 13 May. Cunliffe, who has been with Sportech since 2006, will be leaving the company on 6 March.

Baty’s arrival marks the second senior appointment made by the operator in recent months, following the recruitment of Disney veteran David Schreff last month as chief operating officer with a particular focus on the Americas.

The news follows what Penrose described as a “slightly disappointing” egaming performance in this week’s FY 2012 trading update. Sportech said its less impressive online gaming numbers were due to brand changes and systems migrations currently that were still being addressed.

Penrose said of Baty’s appointment: “I am delighted to welcome Cliff to the team. He brings extensive industry and financial experience to our Company, and his appointment completes the restructuring of our senior management team.”

Baty added: “Following a period of significant change Sportech is well placed to take advantage of growing opportunities in gaming in the UK and internationally. It is a great time to be joining the team and I look forward to helping the business deliver its growth plans.”

Analyst Nick Batram said Baty’s appointment “looks ideal” given his industry and international experience. “This is yet another positive management appointment, and a reflection of the progress made by the group. The challenge now is to convert the positive structural developments into bottom-line growth,” he said.