OPAP appoints Damian Cope as new chief exec
Ladbrokes' former international MD to start role at the Greek monopoly operator in July
Former Ladbrokes international MD Damian Cope has been appointed the new chief executive officer (CEO) of Greek monopoly OPAP.
Cope, who left Ladbrokes in June last year after more than three years at the operator, will take up his new role on 1 July.
The appointment means Kamil Ziegler, currently OPAP chairman and CEO, will continue on as chairman only.
Cope has more than 18 years’ experience in the gambling industry, most recently at Ladbrokes where he was responsible for all non-UK, betting & gaming activities, across both retail and digital channels.
His departure last year followed a costs and efficiency review, which included several redundancies from the operator’s international team.
“I feel privileged to be taking on the role of chief executive of OPAP, a hugely respected brand both in Greece and around the world,” said Cope.
“Over the last three years under Kamil’s strong leadership OPAP has undergone significant change and made positive progress. I look forward to working closely with Kamil and everyone at OPAP in building an even brighter future for the company,” Cope added.
A statement from the OPAP board praised Ziegler’s efforts in restructuring the business and in delivering “very good results” during his tenure.
“The Board is highly confident, that under its new enforced composition, with separate Chairman and CEO positions in line with international best corporate practices, will prove even more efficient and productive while OPAP will deliver a strong future for its customers, shareholders, agents, partners and employees,” a statement from the firm said.
The Greek gambling market primarily consists of OPAP’s offline monopoly and 24 online operators on interim licences currently paying a 30% GGR levy, although this could be set to rise with new austerity measures. OPAP’s online results have suffered under the new competition.