Lee Fenton named Gamesys CEO in management reshuffle 

Robeson Reeves takes over as COO while founder and chief exec Noel Hayden takes up executive chairman position

Gamesys founder and chief executive Noel Hayden has become the firm’s executive chairman with COO Lee Fenton taking over the reins as CEO with immediate effect. [private]

Hayden becomes exec chairman of the Gamesys Group after incumbent chairman Roger Devlin announced his departure after more than nine years at the firm’s AGM last month.

In an internal memo sent to staff, seen by eGR North America, Hayden said Devlin’s exit and his own recent appointment to the Intertain board meant it was the “right time” to take on an executive chairman role.

“The ‘executive’ bit means this is more of a hands on role and I’ll continue to lead the company’s vision, R&D and innovation agenda, have the final call on new product lines and oversee all corporate development,” Hayden told staff.

Fenton takes up the chief exec role after more than seven years at the London-based firm, with director of gaming operations Robeson Reeves taking the COO vacancy left by Fenton.

“Robeson’s already doing a brilliant job running our country and marketing operations, and this role recognizes what he has been doing for some time,” Hayden added.

The change in leadership is not believed to have any impact on Gamesys’ deal with Intertain, which acquired its key Jackpotjoy, Botemania and Starspins brands for CA$800m back in April and saw Hayden take a position on the Intertain board.

Gamesys provides the platform for Tropicana’s TropicanaCasino.com site and its own VirginCasino.com offering in New Jersey, and recently launched the first online bingo game in the state.