UK Tote Group names new chairman
The group has appointed John Williamson as non-executive director with an eye to grow in Asia.
UK.- The UK Tote Group has appointed John Williamson as non-executive director, effective as of September 1.
The group says he will bring international business and financial expertise to support its growth plans, particularly in Asia.
Williamson has been chairman and managing partner of consulting and management company Generations Limited since 2018.
He is also an independent non-executive director at the exchange group Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), where he sits on several committees and chairs the board risk committee.
He previously served as senior managing director at the private investment company Search Investment Group. He also spent a stint at Morgan Stanley as managing director and head of infrastructure and operational risk for Asia.
He said: “I am a keen race-goer and have long admired the outstanding work of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, running two world-class racecourses, and operating the world’s largest sports wagering business.
“My dual enthusiasm for racing and business, alongside being able to provide an international perspective will, I hope, be of considerable value to the UK Tote Group team and to British horseracing.”
UK Tote Group chief executive Alex Frost said Williamson’s knowledge of the Asian market would support the group’s plans to grow in the region.
He said: “John’s broad international experience in global finance and business, his track record in guiding international brands and operations, notably more than a decade on the board of Asia’s leading stock exchange, HKEX.
“His extensive experience in Asia, in particular, will support our ambitious programme to expand our partnerships with other global pool betting organisations around the world, a cornerstone of our growth strategy for the Tote.”
The UK Tote Group acquired the remaining 75 per cent of Britain’s Tote horse racing betting pool from Betfred in 2019.
Earlier this year, it formed an alliance with Tote Ireland to offer off-course betting in the republic.
