People news 06/12/12
A round-up of industry moves from the last week (30 November to 6 December 2012).
Ryan retires as bwin.party co-chief
Former PartyGaming CEO to stand down from his “dream job” on 15 January – Norbert Teufelberger will assume role of group CEO.
Bwin.party co-chief executive Jim Ryan is to retire from his duties on 15 January, the London-listed operator has announced.
The former Excapsa and St Minver CEO joined PartyGaming June 2008, replacing Mitch Garber, before taking on joint leadership responsibility with bwin chief Norbert Teufelberger when the two operators merged to form bwin.party in March 2011, something he described this morning as his “dream job.”
Ryan explained that he was planning to leave the industry for the time being, saying: “Having given over 11 years of my life to the online gaming industry, I am now looking forward to returning to Canada and enjoying more time with my family.” From 15 January, Teufelberger will take on the role of group CEO.
Of his time as co-CEO he added: “As we approach the final stages of our merger integration I am immensely proud of what we have achieved and know that with Norbert at the helm, the business is in excellent hands and is particularly well-placed for the future. “
Exclusive: Pinnacle Sports owner to fight “untrue” indictment allegations
Pinnacle Sports co-owner Stanley Tomchin, one of 25 individuals named in last month’s high-profile indictment, is to fight what his representatives describe as “untrue” allegations concerning his alleged activities relationship with his fellow indictees, eGaming Review can exclusively reveal.
67-year-old California resident Tomchin – said in the indictment to be also known as “Monty” – is currently out on bail, having been charged with “Enterprise corruption and fourth-, third-, second- and first-degree money laundering and fifth-degree conspiracy,” in the indictment from the Queens County District Attorney’s Office.
Among the others named in the indictment are fellow Pinnacle Sports owners Brandt England and George Molsbarger, as well as former Cantor Gaming sportsbook director Mike Colbert, who was stripped of his duties following the allegations.
Seven days in people moves:
Tiltware’s Furst in Black Friday settlement
Rafe Furst, one of the four board members of former Full Tilt Poker software company Tiltware named in the First Amended Civil Complaint against the operator, has reached a settlement with the Southern District of New York.
Furst has agreed to forfeit the funds held in an account registered to the Telamonian Ajax Trust, which had been tied to him in the complaint, for which a warrant was filed in September 2011.
He has also agreed to the forfeiture of a further US$150,000 in “Additional funds”, for which a payment schedule will be implemented in the future, however he has admitted to no liability for the company’s alleged wrongdoings.
Sportech appoints COO to focus on the Americas
Sportech has appointed David Schreff as its new chief operating officer, with a particular focus on the operator’s activities in the United States and Latin America.
Schreff, who has held executive and senior management roles with the National Basketball Association and Disney Channel and chaired USA Volleyball for three years, will report directly to chief executive Ian Penrose.
Among Sportech’s US activities is Sportech Racing, which was acquired from Scientific Games and rebranded in October 2010.
GamCare chief to step down
Andy McLellan, chief executive officer of gaming charity GamCare, is to stand down from his role at the end of this month.
He has been with the group for five years, the first of which was in a consultancy role, and was named CEO in 2009.
He said in a statement: “I had never intended to become CEO but when I was offered the job it was hard to refuse. But it’s now time for me to apply what I’ve learnt as a charity CEO and in my previous career as a senior leader in Whitehall on a wider stage and in other ways.”
Perform names Gabby Logan as non-exec director
Live streaming provider Perform Group has appointed BBC sports broadcaster Gabby Logan to its board as a non-executive director.
The daughter of former Wales football manager Terry Yorath, Match of the Day presenter Logan joins Microsoft General Manager, Corporate Development and Global Head of M&A and Strategic Investments Marc Brown and EA Interactive Head of New Platforms and OEM Peter Parmenter as a non-exec.
Chairman Paul Walker said of the appointment: “We are delighted that Gabby Logan has agreed to join Perform as a non-executive Director. Gabby’s in-depth understanding and insight into the worlds of sport and broadcasting will complement the Board’s existing expertise and experience.
Playtech has accepted the resignation of chief financial officer David Mathewson and confirmed that VP of finance Ron Hoffman will take on the role from 31 December.
Chairman Roger Withers said: “I am delighted that Ron is joining the Playtech Board at this important time in the Company’s development. He has considerable experience within Playtech’s business and has been integral to all of the Group’s successful acquisitions over the last few years and worked closely with David Mathewson.”