Andy McCue takes the reins as new Paddy Power CEO

Following a five month consultation period under outgoing CEO Patrick Kennedy, Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has announced that Chief Executive Designate Andy McCue has formally taken up its lead governance role as of Friday 2 of January.

Paddy Power officially announced that McCue would replace Kennedy in September 2014. Patrick Kennedy steps down following eight years services as CEO of the publicly traded bookmaker.

Prior to being appointed Paddy Power CEO, McCue had served as Managing Director of Retail Betting Operations for UK & Ireland. McCue has a gained a further knowledge of Paddy Power governance having served as a member of the firm’s Management Committee since 2009, helping the operator on regulatory and public affairs.

In a September 2014 corporate statement the Paddy Power Board of Directors stated that ‘Andy McCue was the ideal leader to drive Paddy Power for its next phase of growth’.

The appointment of McCue as CEO has seen restructure of key Paddy Power Senior Management positions, with the operator announcing the Promotion of Marketing Director Christian Woolfenden as Managing Director of Retail for UK and Ireland in December 2014.

The Irish Operator has further promoted Head of Online Peter o’Donovan to Chief Product Officer, overseeing Paddy Power innovation and development strategy.

McCue commented on the promotions “These appointments reflect a strategic emphasis on customer and product. I am delighted to be filling these positions with high calibre individuals with a proven track record of success in the group.”

All Paddy Power senior management changes came into effect on 2 January.