Dyson front-runner in race for Betfair role

Ian Dyson was yesterday tipped as the next chief executive of online bookmaker Betfair, just a day after he confirmed he will stand down as boss of pub operator Spirit Group.

James Hollins, an analyst at Evolution Securities, said: “We now view Ian Dyson as the front-runner to take the helm as chief executive of Betfair in the first quarter of 2012.

“We would regard this as a positive catalyst, with the potential, as a turnaround specialist, to drive improved performance from the once well-regarded Betfair.”

David Yu, Betfair’s current chief executive, is due to stand down from his post in October. Evolution wants to see Betfair’s spending cut to boost profits.

Hollins added: “Dyson could be the man to clean up both Betfair and, given the group’s munificent pay structure, personally.”