People news 27 October 2016
The latest people news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (14 October to 20 October 2016)
William Hill denies chairman Davis to step down
UK bookmaker says there are “no plans” for Gareth Davis to leave the company following failed Amaya deal
William Hill has denied reports its chairman Gareth Davis will step down next year after the UK bookmaker’s £6bn merger with Amaya failed last week.
The Times this week reported Davis was under pressure from shareholders following the collapse in talks with the Canadian operator and that Hills would begin its search for a successor in 2017.
The proposed merger was terminated just days after Hills’ largest shareholder, Parvus Asset Management, criticised the rationale for the operator’s proposed reverse takeover of Amaya.
However, a William Hill spokesperson told EGR “there are no plans” for Davis to step down. “He has an exceptional track record and his experience and insights are hugely valuable to William Hill,” the spokesperson said.
Evolution makes senior management changes as Q3 revenues grow 47%
Evolution Gaming has reported a 47% year-on-year increase in Q3 revenues driven by demand for its live casino products, with the company also announcing Martin Carlesund as its new group CEO.
Effective from 1 November, current CEO Jens von Bahr will replace chairman Joel Citron who is resigning from his role, but will remain on the board as a non-executive chairman.
The supplier also appointed a new CEO for its operations-focused subidiary, Evolution Malta, with Johan Nordström coming over from private education firm EF Education First.
Seven days in people news:
Yggdrasil creates parent company to meet growth plans
Yggdrasil Gaming has announced it will form a new Stockholm-based parent company to aid the supplier’s future growth plans.
The parent company will sit on top of Yggdrasil’s existing corporate structure and be established in what it describes as “one of the world’s leading technology cities”.
As part of the restructure, the company will also be hiring new and experienced talent for its graphics team based in the city.
Yggdrasil’s expansion into Stockholm adds to offices already established in Malta, Krakow and Gibraltar.
Ontario appoints George Cooke as new OLG chair
The Canadian province of Ontario has announced the appointment of George Cooke as the new chair of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).
Cooke, who succeeds Phil Olsson in the role, was previously chairman and CEO of The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company and is also chair of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System Administration Corporation and the Canadian National Insurance Crime Services.
“I am honoured to be nominated as the next Chair of OLG,” Cooke said.
“I am looking forward to building on the great work already accomplished by OLG, moving forward on its transformational modernisation plan and continuing to deliver strong financial returns to the province.”