SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Betfred has confirmed the appointment of Joanne Whittaker as new Group Chief Executive, taking over the leadership duties of Betfred founder Fred Done.
The Racing Post has reported that Done sent a personal statement to Betfred employees confirming Whittaker’s appointment, with the executive set to join the company next month.
The former Head of the operator’s IT division, Whittaker left the Warrington bookmaker in 2005 to set-up online childcare voucher provider Fideliti.
With the support of Done as an investor, Whittaker established Fideliti as one of the UK’s leading maternity retail portals, with a reported 2019 turnover of +£80 million and pre-tax profits of £1.7 million.
Fideliti success has seen the company rank amongst The Times ‘Fasttrack 100’ fast growth enterprises within UK retail.
Whittaker is reported to have been Done’s preferred choice to lead Betfred, with the billionaire wanting the entrepreneur to play an active part in reshaping the company’s future.
In his statement to staff, Done confirmed that he would be returning to his previous role as company chairman, having previously taken over Betfred’s leadership duties back in 2016 following the departure of John Haddock.
