NEW MD AT CORAL?

11 May 2007

August start for ex-BSkyB exec

It appears that the UK gambling group Coral's search for a managing director has come to an end with the reported appointment of Nick Rust (39) from television network BSkyB. Chairman John Kelly referred to the position and his search for a suitable executive in a recent financial report.

Rust has the right credentials for the job, having started work with Ladbrokes straight from college and rising over a 15 year career to a senior management position as Commercial Director in charge of the eGaming division, where he was responsible for marketing and operations of all internet, iDTV and telephone betting & gaming.

In July 2002 he left Ladbrokes for Sky, where he was managing director at Sky Bet and successfully delivered an impressive program of effective change and rapid growth, including the re-branding from Surrey Sports, the broadening of product range through addition of gaming-style products on iDTV and internet, and significant customer growth through advertising campaigns and other marketing techniques.

This success was acknowledged in March 2005 when he was promoted to his present position as Director of Betting and Gaming at BSkyB, responsible for strategy and P&L from all gambling activities, including Sky Bet (Sky’s wholly-owned betting and gaming operator) and all third-party gambling relationships with Sky Interactive.

Rust is a well known and respected figure in the online gambling industry. He succeeds Wilf Walsh (who steps down in September) as managing director. Rust is currently on leave from BSkyB after stepping down as managing director of its betting division last week. He and his wife Margarita have a young son, Luis.

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