News UK appoints Simon Collins to lead gaming division
Gaming Realms co-founder to oversee gaming portfolio including Dream Team, Sun Bingo, and Sun Racing
News UK has appointed Gaming Realms founder Simon Collins to the new role of managing director of its Betting & Gaming division.
Collins starts with the company tomorrow and will report into Scott Taunton, the CEO of Wireless, the radio business that runs TalkSPORT and was acquired by News UK in 2016.
Last month, News UK moved its betting and gaming products under Taunton’s brief.
In his new role, Collins will oversee the development and growth of News UK’s gaming brands, including fantasy football league Dream Team, Sun Bingo, and Sun Racing.
Collins said: “I am particularly excited to take up this new role as I believe there are a number of opportunities to develop the existing business.
“I’m looking forward to working with what I know is a very talented team, across some of the UK’s biggest brands.”
Collins co-founded online bingo business Cashcade, creating and building FoxyBingo prior to selling for £96m in 2009. He also co-founded Gaming Realms.
Simon Collins
Wireless CEO Scott Taunton said: “There are few more experienced players in the online gaming space than Simon Collins.
“He has a history of building audiences and value around brilliant digital gaming brands. And he joins News UK as we embark on the next phase of growth around our iconic gaming brands, including Dream Team, Sun Bingo and Sun Racing.”
Tom Ustunel, The Sun’s betting & gaming director, and Gareth Williams, sports commercial partnerships director, both report in to Collins.