Greek gaming firm OPAP will split the roles of chairman and chief executive officer following the completion of a “large scale” internal restructure of the Company.
Damian Cope has been appointed chief executive officer while chairman and incumbent chief executive officer Kamil Ziegler will focus on the role of executive chairman of the board of directors effective July 1, 2016.
Cope most recently served as managing director, International for Ladbrokes plc and was also a board director of Sportium Apuestas Deportivas, Ladbrokes’ sports betting joint venture with Cirsa Group.
Prior to his tenure at Ladbrokes, Cope served as group chief information officer and managing director ecommerce for Gala Coral Group. He has also served in high profile management positions at Blue Square and Rank Group and collectively has around 18 years experience in the gambling industry.
“The Board is highly confident, that under its new enforced composition, with separate Chairman & CEO positions in line with international best corporate practices, will prove even more efficient and productive while OPAP will deliver a strong future for its customers, shareholders, agents, partners and employees,” a company statement reads.