Gav Thompson departs as Paddy Power CMO

The completed merger of ‘Paddy Power – Betfair’, has seen Paddy Power Chief Marketing Office (CMO) Gav Thompson, step down from his Paddy Power senior management position.

‘Paddy Power – Betfair’ group marketing initiatives are set to be merged and led by Betfair CMO Johnny Devitt, who has previously served as Paddy Power Head of Marketing & Acquisitions (2011-2013).

Thompson resigns from Paddy Power having joined the company in April 2015, under the leadership CEO Andy McCue and prior to the announcement of the operators £6.2 billion merger with rival Betfair.

A former mobile telecommunications marketing strategiest, Thompson had been appointed by Paddy Power governance to lead the operators brand and marketing initiatives in a new direction.

The exit of Thompson has surprised UK marketing commentators, as ‘Paddy Power – Betfair’ declared as part of its merger plans that it would carry a ‘dual brand strategy’ for its new operations.

At present it is understood that Thompson’s departure as CMO will not necessarily lead to a consolidation of Paddy Power and Betfair’s agencies.