Shock resignation of William Hill chief exec

James Henderson, chief executive of the major international online and land gambling group William Hill plc stepped down with immediate effect Thursday after two years in the hot seat and amid troubled times for the company, which has had to issue profit warnings after taxation and declining digital business dented its performance.

The company issued a statement advising that CFO Philip Bowcock will take up the reins in the interim whilst a replacement for Henderson is sought.

When we went to press there had been no official reason given for Henderson’s departure.

In the company statement William Hill chairman Gareth Davis commented:

“James’s career with William Hill has spanned over 30 years covering the Retail, online and international businesses. We would like to thank him for his significant contribution and we wish him all the best for the future.

“Philip has a clear set of priorities as Interim CEO, principally the continued turnaround of the Online business. We will confirm a successor in the coming months.”

The statement noted that William Hill plc remains on course to achieve its projected GBP 260 – 280 million in annual operating profits this year.