OPAP appoints acting CEO

Greek gambling company OPAP has appointed Jan Karas as acting CEO from June 1.

Greece.- Jan Karas will replace OPAP’s outgoing CEO Damian Cope until a permanent CEO is appointed 

Karas, who has served as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) since January, will assume all responsibilities, except human resources, which will be overseen by deputy CEO, Odysseas Christoforou.

Cope announced his decision to step down from his position as the Greek operator’s CEO in April. From June 1, he will take up a role as advisor to the board and will work with the Sazka Group on international development.

Cope took up the position of CEO in June 2016, having previously been Managing Director of Ladbrokes’ international division from 2012 to 2015.

Karas joined OPAP in January 2014 to lead the development and operation of OPAP stores and indirect sales channels and has since worked in several roles, including as Chief Sales Officer.

He previously worked for several years in the telecommunications industry in the Czech Republic.

Executive Chairman, Kamil Ziegler, said: “Personally, and on behalf of OPAP’s Board of Directors, I would like to thank Damian for his significant contribution to OPAP’s progress and results and wish him all the best for the future.

“I am looking forward to working with him (Karas). I am convinced we will achieve our strategic goals and address the challenges arising after the Covid-19 pandemic.”

OPAP restarted retail operations last week, taking steps to open its 3,750 venues with social distancing measures in place as the Greek Government began to ease its Covid-19 measures.