Tote Appoint New Chair

Date: 30 June 2008

 
Mike Smith has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Tote, Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe announced today.
Mr Smith, 61, has held a number of senior management posts in the betting industry over the last 20 years. A former Rank and Ladbrokes Chief Executive and MD of William Hill, he is currently Chairman of Big Apple Entertainment, a group of family entertainment centres.

He also has significant experience of mergers and acquisitions in a number of industries. Specifically, he led on the purchase of William Hill by Mecca, the purchase and sale of Coral by Ladbrokes, and the purchase of Blue Square by Rank.

Mike Smith will take up the post on 1 July 2008 for a three year term, or until the Tote is sold. He replaces interim Chair, Sir Ian Good CBE.

Gerry Sutcliffe said:
“I’m very pleased Mike Smith has agreed to take on the role of Tote Chair. He has significant industry expertise that will prove invaluable during this important period for the Tote, as will his extensive track record in leading gaming businesses through mergers and acquisitions. I am confident he will provide the kind of leadership needed to help grow the Tote’s business at the same time as seeing it through any sale process.
“I’d also like to place on record my thanks to Sir Ian Good. He has managed the business successfully while the search for Peter Jones’s successor has been taking place.“

Mike Smith said:
“I am delighted to join the Tote and to work with its established team, some of whom I already know. I will prioritise getting to know all the staff at Tote HQ in Wigan in the coming weeks. We all recognise the need to bring certainty to the Tote’s future as quickly as possible.”

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