Isle of Man chasing new head of egaming
Role involves leading business development initiatives in the sector and acting as global ambassador for island - appointment could be made before end of April.
The Isle of Man Department for Economic Development is seeking a new head of egaming, eGaming Review has learned.
Last year the island’s economic development minister John Shimmin had suggested former head of egaming development Garth Kimber – who left to join 138Sungame operator Xela Holdings – would not be replaced, and instead his responsibilities would be shared between five government employees.
However, following the impending retirement of the department’s director of business development Tim Craine, a new permanent appointment is being sought to handle business development responsibilities and “Act as an ambassador for the egaming sector in the Isle of Man worldwide”, according to the job description posted on the Isle of Man government’s website.
The new head of egaming will also consult with the government-at-large on matters concerning legislation and regulation. Chris Corlett, chief executive of the Department of Economic Development, told eGR there had been plenty of interest even before any public advertisements for the vacancy.
Corlett explained: “We had a good amount of interest from all areas of the industry, which I believe demonstrates that the Isle of Man has established itself as having a great reputation in egaming”.
“This is quite a high-profile post and will give the opportunity for an individual to make a real difference both to our economy and to the egaming industry,” he said.
“I feel we need a full-time person dedicated to supporting the sector and it’s best to have someone with a suitable, private industry background,” he added.
Corlett suggested the Department for Economic Development hopes to have decided on their preferred candidate by the end of April, with an announcement to potentially follow shortly after.
The Isle of Man has issued a number of new egaming licences this year, with BuddyBet and Tailorbet among the latest recipients, while it is also home to Power 50 operators including PokerStars, 12Bet and 188Bet.