Henderson takes the reins as new William Hill CEO

He has been with the company for nearly three decades and has recently been based in Australia to oversee the business William Hill acquired from Sportingbet last year. Topping, who has been with the company for 44 years and has served as chief executive for six years, was due to retire at the end of 2015, but it was confirmed earlier this year that he would depart earlier than planned.

“Under Ralph as chief executive, the group is in the best competitive shape I have ever known and he has created, in my view, an unrivalled team with an outstanding track record.

“Whilst we face challenges as an industry, there are also plenty of opportunities to keep strengthening William Hill by further diversifying our revenues and continuing to build a responsible, sustainable business.” Topping added: “I have enjoyed working with James for many years and am pleased to have appointed him to various important operational roles in that time.

“As a ‘one company man’ I am naturally a big supporter of William Hill and its people, so I really wish James and the rest of our management team all the success in the world in continuing to take the company forward.”

William Hill chairman Gareth Davis said that the “an extensive and thorough review of both internal and external applicants” had taken place. His breadth of knowledge spans the whole group, having worked in both the major divisions, overseen the establishment of William Hill US and, most recently, taken responsibility for William Hill Australia.”

“His established relationships, both with the strong cadre of senior managers and within the wider industry, ensure he is the best person both to sustain the momentum William Hill has achieved under Ralph and to progress further the digital and international diversification of the group.”