FDJ appoints Andy Wright as Sporting Group chief

France’s national lottery operator, La Française des Jeux (FDJ Group) has announced that Andy Wright is to replace Simon Trim as chief executive of its Sporting Group subsidiary.

Sporting Group operates B2C spread betting brand Sporting Index, as well as providing odds, trading, software and risk management services through its B2B operation Sporting Solutions.

Trim is stepping down after 5 years as chief executive, and a total of 23 years at the company, after overseeing the integration of Sporting Group into FDJ Group after its acquisition in June 2019.

Wright will step into the role of chief executive after his most recent position leading Tabcorp’s wagering arm in Australia, having previously worked as group trading director for Ladbrokes’ executive leadership team.

Trim will stay on with the company for several months in the role of special advisor to the CEO, in order to ensure a smooth transition of the company’s leadership, and bring certain growth initiatives further forward, FDJ said.

“I would like to thank Simon Trim for his dedication and stewardship over the years and the achievements of Sporting until today, building strong brands and making an impact on its markets,” said Xavier Etienne, vice president of technology and international at FDJ Group.

“Andy Wright has a unique blend of skills in many relevant areas for Sporting Group and FDJ Group. Along with his operational capabilities and recognized leadership, he is the perfect fit for us to further enhance the execution of our strategy,” Etienne concluded.

Wright added: “I am delighted to join Sporting Group at this exciting period of its evolution. I have admired its excellence of pricing, trading and risk management for many years and how it has leveraged this capability and the Sporting Index brand awareness to expand its B2B operation with Sporting Solutions across the globe.”

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