Nottingham-based gambling giant Gala Coral Group has announced that Chief Executive Officer Neil Goulden will be stepping down next month to be replaced by current Chief Operating Officer Dominic Harrison.

The British company also announced that John Kelly, founder and Non-Executive Chairman, will also be stepping down within the next year to pursue other business interests. Gala Coral revealed that Goulden is to succeed Kelly as Chairman in October of 2009 and will become Executive Deputy Chairman from next month in order to facilitate a seamless transfer of responsibilities. In his new role, Goulden will focus primarily on external affairs including the development of the firm’s growing international presence and relationships with the Gambling Commission and other governmental bodies.

“I would like to pay tribute to the enormous contribution that both John Kelly and Neil Goulden have made to the Gala Coral Group over recent years,” said Harrison.

“Their drive and vision for the Group dating back over a decade has enabled the company to grow into the largest integrated betting and gaming company in Europe. I am delighted that John is continuing as Chairman for a further year and that Neil has been asked by the board to become Deputy Chairman and then to succeed John as Chairman so that they are both available to advise and work alongside me and the Executive Management team to help further grow the company in the UK and overseas.

”After successfully completing a restructuring of the Group’s banking arrangements in May of this year and the establishment of a new five-year plan, I am very excited about the growth opportunities now available to the Group.”

Gala Coral also announced that it is still searching for a new Chief Financial Officer to replace Matthew Roberts after his announcement in April that he would be leaving.



Source: iGamingBusiness.com