The news will surprise many in the City who had expected Leaver to take the reins at Whitbread - owner of Premier Inn - where he worked before before 'jumping ship' to De Vere Group, another hotel chain.

Leaver, who left Marks and Spencer eighteen months ago, is thought to have been part of the fallout that saw an internal and external search for a Chief Executive for the company go to Morrisons' Marc Bolland.

However, with the decision not made, other names being touted for the Ladbrokes role also include Andy Harrison, easyJet departing CEO, Andy McIver, current head of Sportingbet and Nick Rust, Managing director of Coral.

Internally, John O'Reilly, who heads the online gaming division of Ladbrokes is being considered.

The decision will be in the hands of Ladbrokes' chairman, Peter Erksine former head of 02 with rumours suggesting an outside candidate is preferred.

Chris Bell who headed up the betting company for twenty years was thought to have left the company by mutual consent - having given in his notice over a year ago:

"Ladbrokes is a great company. I have been privileged to be its Chief Executive for nine years and I am proud of all that we have achieved in that time. I look forward to doing all I can to support the Company during this period of transition." he said on his departure.

But his leaving was thought to have been hastened by shareholders disappointed by the rights issue which came in October and the group's near one million debt.

The group is also expected to face government taxation in the coming months as the gambling act is reviewed.


Date Posted: 24-Jan-2010