by Ryan D. Jaeger
It's the case of the bookie taking odds on the bookie.
Paddy Power, one of the UK's leading bookmakers, is taking bets on the next
head of its industry rival, Ladbrokes.
The current Chief Executive Officer of Ladbrokes, Christopher Bell, announced
in January that he is stepping down from his role.
Bell is one of the longest serving men in office at Ladbrokes and many
believe that he will be hard to replace, especially in such a competitive
market.
Headhunters have been keeping a sharp eye out for a rightful heir and Bell
has also noted that there are many excellent people from the within the company
who could replace him.
There are two current potential new heads - the former head of Marks and
Spencers, Carl Leaver, and the head of Ladbrokes' online gambling division, John
O'Reilly.
Many believe that Leaver is tipped to take the reigns, despite the fact that
the fact that he comes from 'outside' the industry.
Analysts say that Ladbrokes is actually seeking a "retailing specialist, not
just someone steeped in the gambling industry," and Leaver fits the bill.
On the other hand, one cannot ignore the huge potential of putting John
O'Reilly at the head of the company, considering that online gambling is the
future of the industry.
Current odds at Paddy Power for the next Ladbrokes CEO are as follows:
John O'Reilly 5/4
Carl Leaver 3/1
Nick Rust 4/1
Andy Harrison 5/1
Andy McIver 6/1
Gordon Brown 500/1
