Favourit announces Gary Harris as new CEO

Gary Harris has been announced as the new Chief Executive Officer of Australian based social sports betting operator, Favourit.

Harris worked at Sportingbet Australia as both IT Director and Board member from 2004 until 2013, during which time he oversaw technological developments and online turnover going from AU$10m (£4.5m) to AU$2.4bn (£1.1bn). February 2013 also saw William Hill Group acquire the Sportingbet Australia Group.

Harris also had notable success prior to this. He was a Board member and IT Director at IASBet Limited, this firm was subsequently sold to Sportsbet which itself is now a subsidiary of Paddy Power.

Discussing his appointment, Harris stated: “I am delighted to have joined the Favourit team at this stage of its development as it proves up its highly differentiated social user experience. Toby and his brother Josh as co-founders have built a global and scalable platform that in my view shows tremendous promise as one of the few really differentiated platforms in the market today.”

Favourit launched its international operations in November 2014, and is currently exceeding internal growth forecasts. Toby Simmons, current Chief Executive and co-founder, will now refocus his strengths as Commercial Director. Of the news Simmons said: “I am very excited to be able to announce Gary Harris is joining our company and working with us to continue Favourit’s international growth.”

He continued: “We are out to prove that Favourit is changing the game for punters worldwide, and with Gary’s experience, I firmly believe that the company has a very bright future ahead.”

Harris has entered the role with immediate effect.