People news 5 November 2015
The latest people news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (30 October to 5 November 2015)
William Hill execs leave for rival operators
Director of gaming innovation James Curwen to join Gamesys while director of sportsbook operations Matt Warner leaves for Coral
William Hill has been dealt a double blow after director of gaming innovation James Curwen quit the firm to join Gamesys while director of sportsbook operations Matt Warner has also decided to leave in favour of a move to rival Coral.
The two Gibraltar-based executives have been placed on gardening leave and, according to a William Hill spokesperson, their responsibilities “taken on by existing members of the digital team”.
Director of gaming innovation Curwen joined Hills in 2011 and played a key role in the growth of William Hill’s gaming arm, including the development of its live casino and proprietary Vegas products.
Gamesys said it was currently unable to comment on the news when reached for comment by eGR.
Former Ladbrokes and Coral online chief O’Reilly joins Grand Parade
Gaming technology specialist Grand Parade has added two egaming heavyweights to its ranks, most notably the appointment of former Ladbrokes and Coral online chief John O’Reilly as non-executive chairman.
Grand Parade, which provides tailored digital products and campaigns for the likes of Betfair, Ladbrokes and bwin, has also brought on board former Coral website development director and marketing chief Martyn Miller as managing director of its growing Poland development office.
Grand Parade chief executive Andy Clerkson said the double hire “set the stage” for what he described as being an important year for the firm, while the addition of O’Reilly meant it now had “one of the most experienced and intelligent minds in the business” to call upon.
Seven days in people news:
Rational appoints Rafi Ashkenazi as CEO
Rational Group has appointed its former COO Rafi Ashkenazi as the firm’s new chief executive, replacing interim CEO Michael Hazel who will depart the company.
Ashkenazi, who joined Rational at the start of 2013 having formerly served as Playtech’s COO, had been appointed Amaya’s vice president of strategy earlier this year.
Hazel will remain at Rational for a brief transition period after Ashkenazi, who will report to Amaya CEO David Baasov, assumes the role next week.
Harry Lang named new Pinnacle Sports marketing director
Pinnacle Sports has appointed long-serving egaming marketer Harry Lang as its new marketing director.
Lang, who officially took up the position on Monday, will be focused predominantly on Pinnacle’s sports and casino marketing efforts in Europe and will be based out of the Curacao-licensed operator’s London office.
He joins the company having previously held the role of head of digital marketing at Mecca Bingo.
Paddy Power hires Telefonica innovation head
Paddy Power has strengthened its marketing team after appointing former Telefonica new business innovation head Sarah Davies to the newly created role of director of marketing innovation.
Davies, who began her new role in September, is based at Paddy Power’s London office where she reports into Paddy Power’s recently installed chief marketing officer Gav Thompson.
Paddys said Davies would work alongside the operator’s innovation team and use customer insights and behaviours to create new ideas around how to drive new commercial opportunities for the business.
HKJC betting chief departs
The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s (HKJC) executive head of betting and customer strategic projects has left the role to seek new opportunities in the UK.
Richard Andrew, who had previously been director of trading at Ladbrokes and IG Index, spent three years in Hong Kong where he oversaw the operator’s betting and customer strategy, including the development of a new wagering platform.
“I was pleased to play a central leadership role at The Hong Kong Jockey Club in crafting their betting and customer strategy,” Richard told eGR.
Lotteriinspektionen boss to head Swedish re-regulation inquiry
The director general of Sweden’s gambling regulator, Håkan Hallstedt, is to head the committee overseeing the country’s inquiry into a re-regulation of the sector.
Sweden’s minister for public administration Ardalan Shekarabi said Hallstedt’s “knowledge and integrity” would be of benefit as the country looks to reform its gaming laws.
Gustaf Hoffstedt, general secretary of the Association of Online Gambling Operators (BOS), welcomed the appointment, praising Hallstedt’s experience in the sector.