Ex Ladbrokes CEO appointed Bet Butler chairman
Chris Bell joins betting concierge service as company celebrates one-year anniversary.
Concierge betting service Bet Butler has announced the appointment of former Ladbrokes CEO Chris Bell as chairman as the company celebrates its first anniversary.
Bell (pictured) served as Ladbrokes’ chief executive for nine years before leaving in 2010 to be replaced by former Sporting Index CEO Richard Glynn, and brings with him more than 20 years experience in the gambling industry.
He joined Ladbrokes in 1991 where he became managing director in 1994, then joining the board of Hilton in 2000. He is also a senior independent director at Quintain, a non-executive director at Spirit, and is a member of the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board, which advises government on gambling policy.
Bell said he was delighted to “have the opportunity to assist in the development of Bet Butler, as we look to grow the business further”.
“Bet Butler’s unique technology and position within the gaming industry marks the company out as one to watch, and I believe it has a bright future ahead of it.”
Betting “concierge service” Bet Butler launched in August last year in time for the 20th Premier league season with the aiming of giving punters access to the best odds from international bookmakers through a single Bet Butler account and without the need for multiple betting accounts.
Its Autobet technology instantly sources the most up-to-date odds but, unlike traditional odds comparison services, places customers’ bets directly. The service offers bets on sports via the telephone and began with football and horse racing online but has since added rugby union, tennis, golf and cricket among others as well as adding accumulative betting odds. Most recently, Bet Butler has taken its’ first foray into the Asian market in partnership with sportsbook provider InPlay Matrix.
The company has made two further additions to its board with William Rollason joining as CFO and as a non-executive director. Rollason is a chartered accountant and began his career in the City. Chris Stainton, a partner at executive search firm The Miles Partnership, has also joined the board.