Playtech PLC (LON:PTEC), which has stepped up its expansion efforts via mergers and acquisitions, has announced the appointment of Ian Chuter as a strategic advisor with a specific remit focusing on gaming, sports betting and M&A.
The appointment is effective November 2, 2015.
Mr Chuter brings along with him huge gaming industry expertise spanning more than 25 years, with previous positions including group operations director at Betfair Group Ltd (LON:BET). While at William Hill plc (LON:WMH), Mr Chuter played a vital role during negotiations of the William Hill Online joint venture agreement with Playtech in 2008.
Ian Chuter
Mr Chuter began his gaming career as sales and marketing director at Rank Group PLC (LON:RNK), leaving in 1997 to join high street gaming business Talarius and joining William Hill in 2001.
Shimon Akad, COO, Playtech, said: “Ian is one of the best operators in the business. He has a proven track record of managing large-scale transformational projects and delivering great success everywhere he has worked.
“We’re delighted he has chosen to join Playtech and I’m confident he will be an invaluable member of the senior management team as we continue to grow this incredible business.”
Ian Chuter, said:
“I’m thrilled to be joining Playtech at such an exciting time. I know the management team very well from my days at William Hill and am really looking forward to working closely with them on a number of very exciting projects.”
Mr Chuter joins Playtech as the company seeks to complete two acquisitions in the Forex industry – those of AvaTrade and Plus500 Ltd (LON:PLUS). The completion of both deals is delayed on regulatory grounds: the AvaTrade deal has faced objections from the Central Bank of Ireland, whereas the regulatory approvals for the proposed acquisition of Plus500 are taking longer than anticipated.
To view the official announcement from Playtech on the appointment, click here.