Ladbrokes prepares for online Belgium launch with new MD
Alexis Murphy to replace retiring Alan Smith as Ladbrokes takes first steps towards Belgian online launch
Ladbrokes has kicked-off preparations for an online launch in Belgium by promoting current digital director Alexis Murphy to the position of managing director of Ladbrokes Belgium, replacing the retiring Alan Smith.
The change in leadership comes as the operator continues its regulated markets push and eGaming Review understands an online launch in Belgium is planned for next year.
Smith will stand down from his current role on 1 January 2014 after spending almost 30 years leading the operators’ retail division in the country. He will take on a temporary position as European retail betting consultant until he officially retires in the summer.
A Ladbrokes spokesperson confirmed Smith’s retirement, praising his role in the growth and development of the company’s Belgium operations.
Alexis Murphy will step into the position having first joined Ladbrokes in May this year having previously worked at exchange operator Betdaq prior to its acquisition in January.
Murphy also served as chief executive of Tote Ireland for more than five years, leaving in 2010 to become a director of international betting and gaming with private equity company International Investment and Underwriting.
As Belgium MD, Murphy will assume overall responsibility for Ladbrokes’ operations in the country and report to Ladbrokes international and group strategy director Damian Cope.
Ladbrokes has maintained a land-based presence in Belgium since it acquired the betting shop chain Le Tiercé SA, owners of more than 400 betting shops in the country, in 1984.
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