Entain’s customer communications director, Simon Clare, is the Betting and Gaming Council’s appointee to the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB).
Replacing Mike O’Kane on Monday, Clare said O’Kane will be a “hard act to follow.”
“I have been fortunate to have enjoyed a long and varied career within the betting industry with Coral, now Entain, alongside a lifelong passion for horse racing and all major sports, so will hopefully be able to make a valuable contribution to the Board,” he added.
Clare had a placement at the Horserace Betting Levy Board soon after graduating from Liverpool University in 1992.
From there, he joined the British Horseracing Board as an executive assistant before joining Ladbrokes as PR manager in 1996.
After further stints as Coral as its racing PR manager, he became responsible for PR, sponsorship and social media for both brands after the merger in 2016.
He is now the customer communications director for Entain’s UK brands and is responsible for PR, sponsorship and social media for Ladbrokes, Coral, Gala, Foxy and Partypoker.
Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “We’re delighted Simon is joining the HBLB.
“He brings an unrivalled wealth of experience from his many years with Ladbrokes and Coral, where he has become respected as a vocal and passionate champion of the sport.
“I know his wisdom and knowledge will be crucial assets to the HBLB over the coming years. I would also like to pay tribute to Mike O’Kane who has been an excellent representative to the HBLB on behalf of BGC members.
“Over his time with the HBLB Mike has brought a strong voice for the sector to the Board at a time of significant change for racing and also record Levy contributions. We wish Mike well in the future and are delighted to welcome Simon to the HBLB.”
The HBLB is administered by a seven-strong board of members, including one from the BGC to represent bookmakers.
