Ladbrokes appoints new director

Ross joined Ladbrokes in 1971 and first worked in its bookmaking shops in Dundee before being promoted to run Ladbrokes Casinos and Ladbrokes International Betting and Gaming. He then became Managing Director for Ladbrokes Retail in 2000 before joining the Board in 2006. The former independent bookmaker announced his intention to retire just before Christmas but revealed that he would continue to serve as a consultant to the Harrow-based firm. He also said that he would not be seeking re-election to the company’s Board of Directors.

“Alan has made an enormous contribution to Ladbrokes and the betting and gaming industry,” said Chris Bell, Chief Executive Officer for Ladbrokes. “He played a major role in developing the business from the introduction of live pictures into betting shops through SiS in 1986 to the introduction of fixed-odds betting terminals in 1998 and he played a significant part in our major acquisitions and disposals across the globe. We are very pleased he will continue to provide his advice and wise counsel to us moving forward and we are very grateful for his dedication to the business for the past 37 years.”

Palmer is currently the Managing Director for Hesketh Family Office where his duties include operating Towcester Racecourse as well as the management of various trusts and assets belonging to the Hesketh family. Until May of 2007 he helped run GG Media, which owned the media rights for ten independent racecourses.

The appointment will take effect from mid-February and Palmer will sit on the Executive Board with responsibilities over business development opportunities and industry and public affairs.

“Chris Palmer brings a breadth of experience of industry and public affairs and we welcome him to the Ladbrokes Executive Board,” added Bell.