OPAP appoints new CEO to replace Damien Cope
Chief commercial officer Jan Karas to assume the role of acting CEO for Greek gambling giant following Damien Cope’s departure
Greek operator OPAP has announced current chief commercial officer (CCO) Jan Karas as the group’s new CEO following the departure of Damien Cope.
Karas, who will assume the role on 1 June, will take on all the responsibilities of acting CEO, with the exception of HR duties, which will be managed by deputy CEO Odysseas Christoforou.
Karas only became CCO in January 2020 after spending three years as OPAP’s retail chief operating officer (COO). Karas originally joined OPAP in 2014 as chief sales officer.
Before joining OPAP, Karas spent nine years at O2, where he eventually became VP for O2 Germany shops.
Karas and Christoforou will both report in to executive chair Kamil Ziegler, who is continuing to search both internally and externally for a permanent CEO to take over from Karas.
Ziegler thanked Cope for his efforts as CEO after four years at OPAP and highlighted his confidence in Karas’ ability to navigate the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Ziegler said: “After four years as OPAP CEO, Damien is leaving OPAP. Personally, and on behalf of OPAP’s board of directors, I would like to thank him for his significant contribution to OPAP’s progress and results and wish him all the best for the future.
“Jan Karas is assuming responsibilities of the CEO and I am looking forward to working with him. Moreover, deputy CEO, Odysseas Christoforou takes on additional responsibilities and will be reporting directly to me.
“I am convinced that we will achieve our strategic goals and address the challenges arising after the Covid-19 pandemic, leveraging the opportunities to deliver value to our shareholders and stakeholders,” he concluded.
Elsewhere, OPAP recently increased its stake in Stoiximan Group’s Greek and Cypriot operations to 84.49%.