Top Microsoft exec for Betfair

Online betting group Betfair has announced the appointment of Matt Lambert as director of public affairs, taking up his responsibilities at the beginning of 2012.

Lambert, who has 25 years of professional experience and is currently director or corporate affairs and citizenship with Microsoft in Britain, will be responsible for the strategy and implementation of Betfair’s global public affairs strategy.

During his Microsoft service Lambert has managed the company’s government and political relations, community affairs and environmental practice across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the UK. Prior to his employment with Microsoft, he worked as a consultant for 12 years, advising on projects for some of the world’s leading companies, including BT, Mars and Banco Santander.

“Betfair is at a hugely exciting point in its future development, with the global regulatory landscape being of real strategic importance to its business,” Lambert said this week. “I look forward to working with Betfair’s skilled teams in Europe and other jurisdictions to ensure that the discussions taking place concerning regulation are understood by all stakeholders.”

Martin Cruddace, chief regulatory and legal officer at Betfair, welcomed Lambert and said: “Betfair is at the forefront of many of the conversations taking place that are aimed at creating a competitive and viable regulated gaming industry and Matt’s experience will be crucial in enabling us to build on this”.

Lambert will join a revitalised management team that includes group operations director Ian Chuter; UK director Peter Marcus and emerging markets director Matt Robinson. Breon Corcoran, currently chief operating officer at Paddy Power, will join Betfair as CEO in August 2012 (see previous reports.

Related and similar