Ladbrokes Chris Bell leaving to make way for new blood

British sports betting firm Ladbrokes are on the hunt for a new CEO as news breaks that Chris Bell will be leaving the company in the summer.  Mr Bell has been in the post for 9 years which has seen many changes, none more so than the leap into the online sports betting and gambling market.  Ladbrokes are believed to be seeking a replacement from outside of the organisation rather than hiring from within, even though Mr Bell believes there are some ideal candidates to take up the role that he vacates.

Jumped or pushed?

There are no reports on whether Mr Bell’s decision to step down from his Chief Executive Officer position at Ladbrokes bookmakers is desire driven or whether it has been thrust upon him.  The online betting and bookmakers has not performed as well as it previously has during the last year, but this is typical of most organisations that are suffering during the global recession.  Ladbrokes have stated that they are looking for a person who is able to ‘pursue a more dynamic and aggressive strategy’. Whether this is a comment aimed at Mr Bell’s failings remains to be seen, although the Ladbrokes Chairman, Peter Erskine is quoted as saying “Bell has made an invaluable contribution to the growth and development of Ladbrokes during his 20 years with the company,”

Bell in need of a change

The story covered in the iGaming Business report states that 52 year old Chris Bell told the Wall Street Journal that he was happy to be leaving as he felt that the time was right for ‘a change’ and that he was in need of a rest from his high powered corporate role.  Chris Bell is hoping to have holidays in Chile and Italy once he leaves Ladbrokes in the summer and as yet has no plans to pursue another full time post.

www.ladbrokes.com