NEW CEO FOR ONTARIO LOTTERY

7 September 2007

Former Bell exec takes the hot seat


The embattled Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission's hassles with overly fortunate ticket retailers will soon become the responsibility of a new CEO following the appointment this week of former Bell Canada executive Kelly McDougald, reports Canadian Press.

McDougald, who takes over her duties on October 15 from interim CEO Michelle DiEmanuele (see previous InfoPowa reports) is widely respected as a seasoned executive with a reputation for impeccable values. Her experience includes working at Nortel Networks. Since 2005, McDougald has been an independent business consultant and a director of the Allstate Canada Group and the Toronto Board of Trade.

Former CEO Duncan Brown resigned in March this year just before the province's ombudsman alleged that retailers and "insiders'' had won a disproportionate number of lottery prizes. Three other OLG vice-presidents and Michael Sharland, the head of security, followed Brown out the door.

The board says McDougald will begin the transition into her new role on September 17.

"On behalf of the board, I would like to extend our deepest thanks to Michelle DiEmanuele, our interim CEO, for doing an extraordinary job during the most difficult and challenging time in OLG's history,'' OLG board chairman Michael Gough said in a release Thursday.

Among McDougald's immediate priorities, the board says she will lead the organisation towards achieving the "highest standards of integrity, transparency, accountability and responsiveness,'' as well as attracting and retaining a senior management team.

DiEmanuele will return to the Ontario Public Service, where she serves as associate secretary of cabinet, secretary to management board, and deputy minister of government services.

The OLG is a provincial agency responsible for Ontario gaming facilities and lottery games. It has revenues of $6 billion and more than 20 000 employees and associates.

Online Casino News courtesy of InfoPowa