ZEAL hires former Disney digital chief for CTO role

Online lottery operator ZEAL Network, the firm previously known as Tipp24, has announced the appointment of ex-Disney exec Susan Standiford to the company’s newly created chief technology officer (CTO) role.

Standiford officially joined the London-based firm yesterday and in addition to her role as CTO will serve as a member of the ZEAL Network’s executive board.

She joins the operator from online shopping company Rue La La where she worked as CTO for nearly three years having previously held the role of vice president of technology at Travelocity and Disney Online.

“She has an impressive professional track record as CTO with a focus on innovating technology and company culture,” Dr Hans Cornehl, chief executive officer of ZEAL, said.

“With Susan we will accelerate our pursuit to create a better world of lottery,” he added.

Standiford’s appointment follows the arrival earlier this year of the firm’s new chief financial officer Jonas Mattson, ending a five-month search to fill the role following the departure of Andreas Keil in September.

The operator took the decision rename the business from Tipp24 to ZEAL Network in November to reflect a number of changes the firm made to its “wider strategic focus”, including the expansion of its B2B capabilities.