UK Tote Group eyes international expansion with new non-exec chair hire

UK Tote Group has appointed John Williamson as its new non-executive chairman with effect from 1 September. Williamson will take over several responsibilities from former Tote Group chairman Eamonn Willmott, who stepped down as chairman in January, after overseeing the group’s purchase of the Tote franchise from Betfred in 2018. The pooled-betting operator said the appointment will bring “significant international business and financial expertise” to the organisation to support its ambitious growth plans. A veteran of the Hong Kong financial sector and a chartered accountant, Williamson currently serves as an independent non-executive director of exchange and metals trading company Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), having joined the firm in 2008. With a background in hedge fund management, Williamson has also occupied senior roles in the Asia-facing subsidiaries of both Morgan Stanley and NatWest. A keen racegoer and horse rider, Williamson has been a member of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) for 20 years.

UK Tote Group CEO Alex Frost highlighted Williamson’s experience in the Asian market as being “invaluable” to the group. “His extensive experience in Asia, in particular, will support our ambitious programme to expand our partnerships with other global pool betting organisations around the world, a cornerstone of our growth strategy for the Tote,” said Frost. “We are thrilled that John is joining us, and we very much look forward to working with him,” Frost added. UK Tote Group inked a pooled betting deal with HKJC earlier this year, as well as Tote Ireland.