SIS chief exec Gary Smith resigns
Product director Richard Ames to succeed Smith who quits firm after five years to “pursue new opportunities”
SIS chief executive Gary Smith is leaving the firm to “pursue new opportunities”, with the supplier moving quickly to promote product director Richard Ames as his direct replacement.
Smith, who spent five years at the helm, will remain with the business for “a short period” to provide consultancy services and ensure a smooth transition to Ames.
Chairman Roger Devlin commented: “The Board would like to thank Gary for his dedicated service and contribution to SIS. During his tenure SIS managed to secure both the RMG horseracing and Irish horseracing rights.
“Richard Ames has been appointed the new chief executive with immediate effect. Richard re-joined SIS as interim product director in November 2016 and has extensive experience in the betting and gaming sector, having previously worked at Ladbrokes for eight years, and most recently was CEO at Hornby.
“I am pleased to have secured someone with Richard’s experience of the industry to take over the role.”
Ames had been both a board director and MD of UK and Ireland retail at Ladbrokes before he joined British model railway company Hornby as CEO in 2014.
“The team at SIS Betting is experienced and committed and I am looking forward to working with them,” Ames said. “We will continue to deliver great service for our core retail bookmaker customers and new online customers, as well as broadening our product offer for both retail and online markets in line with our diversification strategy.
“I am also looking forward to working with David Meynell, MD of our SIS LIVE media business and his team, who will continue to drive our connectivity proposition to new and different markets.”