Betfair’s top legal man departing

Betfair’s often outspoken head of legal affairs and company secretary, Martin Cruddace, is leaving the company this autumn after nine years of service, according to reports Tuesday in The Racing Post.

Cruddace joined Betfair as group director of corporate and legal affairs in July 2004, and had reportedly decided to step down following the successful conclusion of a number of regulatory issues.
Betfair chief executive Breon Corcoran is quoted in the report as saying that Cruddace has made a significant contribution to Betfair’s development, and to wish him well.

Apparently Cruddace will “give up” his executive roles at the end of June prior to leaving the company in early September.

There is no information on his intentions after leaving Betfair.

In recent times Cruddace has been the face of Betfair in a high profile legal dispute with William Hill plc, and he has been instrumental in improving relationships with the British Horse Racing Association.

BHA chief executive Paul Bittar said: “I am sorry to hear of Martin’s departure and wish him well in the future. No-one could question his commitment to the Betfair cause and he was a driving force behind the groundbreaking commercial deal struck last summer – it simply wouldn’t have happened without him – and he showed considerable foresight to bring the parties together.”

Cruddace, who qualified as a solicitor in 1988, joined Betfair from law firm Schillings. He was previously head of the legal department for Mirror Group Newspapers.

Related and similar