GVC names new group trading director amid trio of senior management changes
Operator appoints new trading director following departure of Jim Humberstone, while new corporate strategy and IR roles also created
GVC Holdings has made a trio of changes to its senior management team, including the appointment of a new group trading director following the recent departure of Jim Humberstone.
The London-listed operator has promoted sports trading director Tom Ritzema to succeed Humberstone, having previously served as his deputy as group head of trading.
According to GVC, Ritzema, who joined the firm in 2013 after its acquisition of Sportingbet, played a key part in the integration of the trading teams of bwin.party and Ladbrokes Coral.
Meanwhile, GVC has appointed Nick Batram, director of investor relations and external communications, to the new role of group director of corporate strategy and development to focus on both firm’s M&A activity and broader strategy.
The final appointment sees Paul Tymms named as director of investor relations and corporate communications, reporting into GVC’s newly appointed chief financial officer Rob Wood.
“I am delighted with these appointments which demonstrate the strength and quality of our senior management team,” Kenny Alexander, GVC CEO, said.
He added: “In his role as Jim’s deputy, Tom has been integral to the success of the group’s trading operations, which has been a key driver of our performance.
“Nick and Paul are both highly talented and experienced professionals who will help to guide our strategic development as we move forwards.”
GVC reported a 10.8% sportsbook margin in Q4.
Humberstone has left GVC to “pursue new opportunities” after nine years at the firm, including a two-year stint as COO in addition to being group director of trading following the bwin.party deal.
He was one of four people previously highlighted by Alexander as being a key part of his senior management team.
Alexander said: “When Jim told me that, after nearly a decade with us, he wanted to move on, Tom was the obvious candidate to succeed him.
“I’d like to put on record my thanks to Jim who has been fundamental to our journey from a small AIM-listed operator, to our position today, as the world’s largest online-led sports betting and gaming business.”