GVC Holdings has committed to strengthening its approach within the United States market, through the appointment of Virginia McDowell to the company’s board as an independent non-executive director, with immediate effect.
Bringing in excess of 35 years of experience working within the US gaming industry, McDowell also currently serves as the vice chairperson of Global Gaming Women.
The non-profit organisation states a mission to “support, inspire and influence the development of women in the gaming industry, through education and mentoring”.
Amongst her most recent prior experience McDowell has served as president and COO of Isle of Capri Casinos in the US from 2007 to 2011, after which she occupied presidency and CEO roles at the same firm for a five year period (2011-2016).
Prior to this the seasoned industry executive was chief information officer at Trump Entertainment Resorts from 2005 to 2007, as well as senior vice president of operations, sales and marketing at Argosy Gaming Company from 1997, until the business was acquired in 2005.
Lee Feldman, GVC’s Chairman, commented: “I am very pleased to welcome Virginia to the Board. She brings extensive experience in gaming operations and strategy at significant scale.
“Her perspectives on the US market should prove invaluable as we pursue the potential in the US for significant expansion in the regulated sports betting market, and online gaming, as well as bring a fresh US perspective to our activities in other markets.”
As well as this GVC details that Stephen Morana has replaced the departing Will Whitehorn as senior independent director, with recruitment now ongoing to find his successor as audit committee chair.
Feldman added: “I would like to thank Will for his valuable contribution during a key chapter in GVC’s development as we enhanced our governance practices in-line with the growth of the Company and more recently following the acquisition of Ladbrokes Coral.
“Will has offered to step down as a director to help the Company deliver on its commitment, as detailed in our 2017 annual report, to bring greater diversity and international perspective to the composition of the Board. We wish Will well with his future endeavours.”
