UK-based bookmaker William Hill has appointed three new members to its board after a year in which shareholders declined to back a merger deal with Amaya, owner of Pokerstars. As a result of that failure the company’s chief executive resigned. He has yet to be replaced by the embattled board.
The company has announced the appointment of John O’Reilly, Robin Terrell and Mark Brooker to the board as non-executive directors. O’Reilly is former managing director of Coral Interactive. Terrell is former chief customer officer at Tesco. Brooker is former chief operating officer at Betfair.
All three new directors have considerable experience in gaming and retail. The board has recently come under heavy fire for the proposed merger with Amaya. William Hill had previously tried to merger with 888 and fought a takeover approach by a consortium of 888 and the Rank Group.
Commenting on the appointments, board Chairman Gareth Davis said, “These appointments significantly enhance the board’s digital, multichannel and gambling industry experience. John’s, Robin’s and Mark’s collective expertise will strengthen the business as we implement our strategy of digital and international diversification.”
