Commenting on the change, the RGA’s chairman, John Coates (CEO of bet365)said: “We are delighted that so many RGA members wanted to be involved at Executive Committee level. We have always sought to be as inclusive as possible and it makes complete sense for us to change our rules so that all of these companies can have seats. It also reflects the strength of support within the RGA and, of course, the many challenges that the industry continues to be faced with.”
Clive Hawkswood, the RGA’s CEO, explained that: “We are extremely lucky to have so many members that contribute actively to the work of the association. Under our previous rules membership of the Executive Committee was restricted to a maximum of ten and we were due to have an election to choose them. However, as significantly more than that expressed an interest in standing, the rules have been changed to accommodate them.”
The new Committee comprises the following companies: bet365 John Coates (Chairman), Ladbrokes John O’Reilly (vice chairman), 888, Betfair, Blue Square Microgaming, PartyGaming, Paddy Power, PKR, Skybet, Sportingbet, Sportech, Stan James, Tote, Victor Chandler International, William Hill.