Initiatives such as the 'greyhound vs horse' and 'greyhound vs pigeon' contests to promote his company's sponsorship of the Greyhound Derby highlighted his creativity, but Hood's public antipathy towards betting exchanges have not always endeared him to some within the sport.
A spokeswoman for William Hill confirmed that Hood had left the company "by mutual agreement". "We would like to thank him for his contribution to the company," she added. Hood commented: "I've had 18 years there and it is the right time to move on now. I've left by mutual agreement and I'm leaving a good team behind me."