People news 14/03/13
The latest people moves from the egaming industry in the last seven days (8 March to 14 March 2013).
Exclusive: OpenBet CEO leaves after 11 years in charge
David Loveday, chief executive of sports betting platform and gaming software provider OpenBet, left business last Friday, eGaming Review can exclusively reveal.
David Loveday, chief executive of sports betting platform and gaming software provider OpenBet, has left the business after 11 years at the company, eGaming Review can exclusively reveal.
eGR understands Loveday left the company last Friday after its board, that includes representatives from private equity owners Virtuvian Partners, decided the business needed a senior executive with a “different skillset in order to take it to the next stage”, according to a spokesman. Loveday “left on good terms”, he added.
“Hiring a new chief executive was considered the best way of effecting change in the business.
“OpenBet has a very capable and experienced management team that will continue to drive the business forward,” the spokesman added.
eGR understands that Vitruvian is close to making an appointment for Loveday’s successor with an announcement due “in the not too distant future”.
Seven days in people moves
Ex-Jackpotjoy head Lawton joins Playtech
Gamesys’ former head of Jackpotjoy Adele Lawton has joined Playtech as the solutions provider’s commercial director.
Lawton joins after leaving her role with the bingo operator in January, having spent three years with the company. A veteran of the gambling sector since 2001, she has previously worked in management roles for a number of businesses including Sky Betting & Gaming, where she was head of bingo; games and bingo manager for Bet365, and general manager for Gala Coral for more than six years.
She arrives with Playtech having announced a “landmark”, long-term licensing deal with Ladbrokes, giving the operator access to a full suite of technology and software, as well as advisory services from PT Turnkey Solutions. The deal comes less than a fortnight after Ladbrokes’ main rival William Hill terminated a similar agreement, buying out the solutions provider’s 29% stake in William Hill Online for a total consideration of £424m.
Playtech and Asian Logic veteran Greg Fermont has joined Bodog Asia as chief operating officer, saying of his new role “Bodog’s increasing penetration in Asia and its ability to react quickly to movements in the market made them a company I wanted to work with.”
Managing director Robert Gustafsson said: “To have somebody of Greg’s calibre joining the team here is great news for the company…and his vision coupled with regional experience will be a huge help in managing and expanding the growth we are currently seeing.”
Betfair head of corporate communications Leonie Foster has left the operator to rejoin former employed BAE. Foster’s departure follows the exits of former comms director Jonathan Oates late last year and public affairs director Matt Lambert last month.