Ladbrokes unveils plans to streamline international operations

Under the plans, which have been developed in response to a review of the costs and efficiency of Ladbrokes’ international team, Damian Cope will step down and leave the bookmaker.

Nine other roles in the centrally based internal team will also be placed at risk of redundancy.

Existing locally based management teams will continue as normal, with Australia managing director Dean Shannon reporting directly to chief executive officer Jim Mullen.

Meanwhile, Alexis Murphy, managing director of Ladbrokes’ Belgian business, will report to managing director of UK retail, Lee Drabwell.

Regarding Ladbrokes’ Sportium joint venture in Spain, the bookmaker will be represented by Mark Fowler, retail director at the Spanish operation.

Fowler will liase directly with corporate development and strategy director, Adam Greenblatt, with digital support being provided by the Ladbrokes digital team when required.

"Our international businesses each have strong management teams and do not require extensive support from a centrally-based international team,” Mullen said.

“This move will reduce costs and bring the international businesses closer to our Exco team.

“The resulting savings will enable us to support the increased investment in our digital business which is essential to the future of the group."