ARJEL appoints new chief executive
Change at top of French regulator continues as Gilles Crespin takes on role of CEO as incumbent steps down
ARJEL has promoted Gilles Crespin to the role of chief executive following the retirement of incumbent Frédéric Epaulard as the regulator continues its restructuring process.
Crespin is to move up from his current role of assistant general manager, a role he has held since September 2011, and will report into ARJEL’s new president Charles Coppolani, who took control of the regulator in February.
Coppolani’s appointment came after the resignation of predecessor Jean-François Vilotte, who left at the start of the year following four years with the body.
In October, Vilotte oversaw a complete restructuring of the regulator in an attempt to better serve the regulated egaming industry.
The French market has been criticised for high-entry costs and high taxes, which have resulted in a substantial black market and a number of operators exiting the country.
Before his departure, Vilotte himself vented his frustration at the French government for its decision to turn its back on talks regarding international liquidity pooling.
The former president called for a “re-think” having considered liquidity sharing essential for improving both customer protection and market conditions.
Earlier this year the regulator reported 2013 gross gaming revenue had increased by 19% with a positive sportsbook performance managing to offset a contracting poker market.