Paddy Power names Andy McCue successor to chief executive Patrick Kennedy
A successor to Paddy Power chief executive Patrick Kennedy, who departs at the start of next year, has been found close to home.
Despite an “international search”, a new leader was right under their noses all along: managing director of the online bookies’ UK and Ireland retail operations Andy McCue will takeover from 1 January 2015.
McCue’s responsibility for regulatory and public affairs in his current role was no doubt attractive to the board as the bookmaker faces regulatory hurdles affecting the gambling industry as a whole.
Paddy Power’s usually offbeat statements were discarded for a more serious tone, perhaps trying to put some gravitas behind the new appointee- no talk of Barry O’Rio this time.
Chairman Nigel Northridge said: "He [McCue] has an outstanding track record and has consistently demonstrated strong leadership across the business as a key member of the management committee and in his role driving the regulatory agenda. Andy is the ideal leader to drive Paddy Power's next phase of growth."