UK Tote Group makes key appointments to executive team
The British heritage betting operator has named a new Group Chief Operating Officer and B2B Chief Commercial Officer.
UK.- The pool betting operator UK Tote Group has announced two significant changes to its executive team as it seeks to expand its footprint. It’s promoted Paddy Desmond to Group Chief Operating Officer and appointed Eugene Delaney as B2B Chief Commercial Officer.
Desmond succeeds Dave Hammond, who left the company in April. His background includes nearly 20 years at Flutter Entertainment brands, followed by a stint as Strategy Consultant at the British Horseracing Authority in 2022.
He joined UK Tote Group as Strategy Consultant in 2024 before going on to serve as Chief Revenue Officer for the last six months. His new remit will cover product, customer experience, marketing and revenue.
“This is an exciting time to be leading the Tote’s consumer business,” Desmond said. “We have a distinctive product, a loyal customer base and real momentum. My focus will be on continuing to improve the experience we offer customers while growing the business responsibly and sustainably.”
Meanwhile, Delaney joins Tote from the advertising firm Make Agency, where he spent nine years as a Non-Executive Director and also held the role of COO. His career has included previous posts in sport, media, horse racing, and B2B betting and data, including positions at Paddy Power and Spotlight Sports Group, the owner of Racing Post.
“The Tote’s B2B potential, across international pools and the UK, is significant and there is a clear opportunity to build on what has already been achieved over the last eight years,” Delaney said. “I’m looking forward to working with Alex, Paddy and the wider team to deepen our partnerships, sharpen how we operate and continue building long-term value for our racecourse, operator and international partners.
The latest appointments come after the UK Tote Group named former Rank Group CEO John O’Reilly as a non-executive director in April and as the horseracing sector braces for the introduction of the Gambling Commission’s Financial Risk Assessments (FRAs), which some fear could have a notable impact on the Tote.
