People news 12 June 2014
The latest people news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (6 June to 12 June 2014)
William Hill plays down “speculative” CEO rumour
UK bookmaker plays down weekend press reports operations director James Henderson is to replace chief executive Ralph Topping
William Hill sought to distance itself from reports operations director James Henderson has been lined-up as a replacement for the outgoing CEO Ralph Topping, labelling the rumour as “speculative”.
According to weekend reports in the UK press, Henderson is set to be named chief executive of the Gibraltar-licensed operator by the end of the year, with the company said to have failed to attract a high enough calibre of external candidates.
However, a William Hill spokesperson told eGaming Review that the press reports were “speculative” and no appointment had yet been made.
Henderson, who is temporarily leading the company’s Australia operation following the departure of CEO Michael Sullivan, has been at the UK bookmaker for nearly 30 years after having begun his career as a trainee in a west London betting shop.
Scientific Games appoints Gavin Isaacs as CEO
Scientific Games has announced that Gavin Isaacs will take over as president and CEO of the gaming giant, replacing interim boss David Kennedy with immediate effect.
Kennedy stepped into the role on a temporary basis after former CEO Lorne Weil stepped down in November last year, and will continue to serve as executive vice chairman of the board.
Isaacs has more than 15 years’ experience in the industry, and most recently served as the CEO of SHFL Entertainment before it was acquired by Bally Technologies.
Seven days in people news:
Ultimate Gaming appoints new CMO
Ultimate Gaming has named egaming veteran Todd Kobrin as its new chief marketing officer.
Kobrin has more than 18 years’ experience in online gaming and sports marketing, and joins Ultimate Gaming from 888.com where we he was vice-president for its US and Asian regions.
He takes over the role from Joe Versaci, who announced he was leaving Ultimate Gaming after two years in April having overseeing the launch of its Nevada and New Jersey sites.
Paddy Power Social signs Joey Barton for World Cup push
Paddy Power has signed-up controversial footballer Joey Barton to lead its social sportsbook’s marketing push, allowing customers to bet head-to-head with the Queens Park Rangers midfielder during this summer’s World Cup.
As part of the deal, Barton will place a bet on Paddy Power Social for each game of the month-long tournament which customers can then copy or ‘Bet Against Barton’.
He will also be participating in the Facebook app’s Terrace Talk section which enables players to follow, copy bets, laugh at bets, leave comments and swap tips.