People news 5 December 2013
The latest people moves from the egaming industry in the last seven days (29 November to 5 December 2013)
More cuts at Ladbrokes with 56 jobs under threat
UK operator embarks on third redundancy round of the year as part of continued cost-control measures
Ladbrokes could be about to cut as many as 56 jobs from its London headquarters as the company continues to streamline its operations,eGaming Review has learned.
Staff at the Rayners Lane office were informed of the news last week with the job losses set to impact a number of departments “ although it is thought the operator’s retail arm could be the worst hit.
A Ladbrokes spokesperson confirmed the number at risk, but refused to comment further.
The company also began a redundancy consultation involving 100 staff in Mayand placed 75 roles under threat just two months ago.
Slingo boss Roberts joins Sportech board
Social gaming veteran and current Slingo CEO Rich Roberts has been appointed as a non-executive director of Sportech as it looks to evolve its US business.
Roberts (pictured) has been chief executive of Slingo, the gaming firm which was sold to RealNetworks for $15.6m in July, since July 2010 and Sportech chairman Roger Withers said the appointment reflected its evolving business and growing online presence in the US market.
Sportech recently dumped its UK-facing gaming product Vernons, however, it is understood to be close to announcing a partner to launch B2C gaming in the US. CEO Ian Penrose told eGaming Review the appointment of Roberts was not linked to the formation of the company’s US gaming partnership.
Seven days in people news:
Ladbrokes prepares for online Belgium launch with new MD
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.
Camelot appoints new marketing team to boost customer engagement
Camelot has awarded London-based media agency LIDA a contract aimed at improving the lottery operator’s relationships with its online and offline customer base.
LIDA began working on the brief this month and a spokesperson for Camelot told eGaming Review that while the initial agreement is on a short-term basis, the expectation is that it will be extended should results in “phase one” follow.
“We can confirm that we have appointed LIDA to look at ways in which we could better engage and communicate directly with our retail players as well as our online players,” Sally Cowdry, Camelot’s marketing and consumer director, said.
“This work is in its infancy, but we look forward to working with LIDA and are delighted that they will be bringing their enthusiasm and specialist expertise to this project,” she added.
Probability’s William Henbrey retires from board
Mobile operator Probability has announced the retirement of non-executive director William Henbrey after more than six years on the board.
Henbrey was appointed to Probability’s board in September 2007 and had chaired the company’s Audit Committee from 2008 until April 2013 when Qurban Hussain was appointed as Probability CFO.
“Bill has made a tremendous contribution to Probability and not just as a watchful eye over our financial administration or even in his role on the Audit Committee,” Charles Cohen, CEO at Probability, said.
“He generously shared with us his contacts in the gaming industry worldwide, and was instrumental in enabling us to apply for and receive an operating licence in Gibraltar.”
“We are very privileged to have been able to work with him and wish him the very best for future years,” Cohen added.
Former Sportingbet finance director David Sparks joins London Capital Group
London Capital Group (LCG) has announced that former Sportingbet finance director David Sparks is to join the company as chief financial officer.
Sparks had served as Sportingbet director of financial and strategic projects since 2004, having previously occupied the role of finance director for the Americas region.
“[David] has strong expertise in helping to grow online gaming companies with global operations and clients and I am confident that he will be a tremendous asset as we seek to build our business and customer base,” Kevin Ashby, CEO at LCG, said.