UK Tote Group has appointed former Rank Group CEO John O’Reilly to its board as a non-executive director.
O’Reilly, who stepped down as the boss of the Grosvenor and Mecca parent company earlier this year, will join the UK Tote on 1 May.
The exec will continue to serve as chair of Weatherbys, a professional services firm for horseracing and breeding, and a trustee of the New Bridge Foundation, a charity that tackles loneliness in prison.
O’Reilly stepped down as Rank Group CEO on 29 January and was replaced by CFO Richard Harris in the interim.
O’Reilly had served as Rank Group’s CEO since May 2018 and helped oversee major transformation, including the acquisition of Stride Gaming in 2019.
On his final week with Rank Group in January, O’Reilly spoke with EGR about his career in the industry and why he wouldn’t be interested in another CEO role.
O’Reilly spent time at Ladbrokes and Coral, while also chaired software development company Grand Parade, which was bought by William Hill in 2016.
Earlier this month, UK Tote Group announced that Hong Kong Jockey Club NED Andrew Weir had joined the pool betting operator’s board.
In other people news at UK Tote Group, industry veteran Dave Hammond stepped down from the role of COO in early April.
Speaking on his appointment, O’Reilly said: “Like so many people deeply involved in gambling and horseracing, I have had many connections with, and fond memories of the Tote over the years.
“While the Tote has a century of history, I believe it has a very valuable role to play in the future of horseracing, both in the UK and Ireland and around the globe.
“The Tote has an impressive story to tell of innovation and growth in recent years, and through further enhancements to the pool product, alongside developing deepening international partnerships, I believe the Tote has its best days ahead of it.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the UK Tote Group board and to support the Tote’s future success.”
John Williamson, UK Tote Group chair, added: “We are pleased to welcome John to the UK Tote Group board.
“As one of the most experienced and respected leaders in the betting industry, John will provide valuable support to the Tote team, particularly in relation to product development and customer experience.
“We are delighted to have John join the team, alongside Andrew Weir who joined the UK Tote Group board earlier this month.”
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.
The post Former Rank Group CEO joins UK Tote Group board first appeared on EGR Intel.
John O’Reilly takes up his first industry post since retiring from the FTSE 250 omnichannel operator at the end of January
The post Former Rank Group CEO joins UK Tote Group board first appeared on EGR Intel.