People news 11 September 2014
The latest people news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (5 September to 11 September 2014)
Paddy Power appoints Andy McCue as CEO
Head of retail McCue selected to succeed outgoing chief executive Patrick Kennedy from 1 January 2015
Paddy Power has appointed managing director of retail Andy McCue as chief executive designate, replacing incumbent Patrick Kennedy who is to stand down in the New Year.
McCue steps into the top job after eight years at the Irish bookmaker, with his appointment ending months of speculation after Kennedy announced his intention to step down as chief executive in May.
McCue will officially take up the position on 1 January 2015, and he will work closely alongside Kennedy over the coming months in order to ensure a smooth transition process.
The appointment followed a comprehensive recruitment process with the company having weighed-up both internal and external candidates.
PMU chief executive stands down
Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU) CEO Philippe Germond has left the French operator to join European car rental company Europcar.
As first reported by French financial newspaper Les Echos, Germond leaves after five years at the company while director general Xavier Hurstel is expected to take over on an interim basis until a permanent successor is found.
During his time at PMU, Germond led the company’s move online in 2009 and its diversification into new verticals, such as poker, after receiving its licence from French regulator ARJEL in 2010.
Malta-licensed operator Betfair has announced that independent non-executive director Peter Rigby has become a member of the firm’s Audit Committee.
Rigby joined Betfair in April having previously held the role of CEO at FTSE 250 company Informa from 1988 until the end of 2013.
Prior to joining Informa in 1983, Rigby also worked as finance director at Stonehart Publications.
Social games developer Big Fish Games has hired former PopCap Games board member Robert Chamberlain as its new chief financial officer.
Chamberlain, who will be responsible for Big Fish Games’ global finance operations, was CFO at PopCap and oversaw its sale to Electronic Arts in 2011 following stints a number of technology companies including F5 Networks.
“Bob’s experience as a tech and game industry financial leader is an asset to our senior management team, and he’s a great cultural fit,” Paul Thelen, Big Fish founder and chief executive officer, said.
Irish online gambling firm SeanieMac has confirmed the appointments of Shane O’Driscoll as CEO and Garreth Core as COO while announcing the resignation of chairman of the board Sean McEniff.
Both O’Driscoll and Corre have been at SeanieMac since the firm’s inception and are described as being “hands on” in the day to day operations of the business.
McEniff will remain a shareholder in the company despite stepping down from the Board to focus on his hotel business.