Sportech finance chief signs for Manchester United

Football pools operator Sportech has started the search for a new finance chief after Cliff Baty said he will be leaving to become chief financial officer at Manchester United.

Cliff Baty is leaving Sportech to become chief financial officer of Manchester United

The firm said Baty, who joined the board in 2013 from bookmaker Ladbrokes, has a notice period of 12 months, but his actual leaving date is yet to be confirmed in due course.

In the meantime, he will continue with his existing responsibilities and the search for his successor, both internally and externally, has begun.

Sportech chief executive Ian Penrose said: “Cliff has been an important part of our management team since May 2013, and during that time he has built a strong finance function across our international operations. On behalf of the board, I wish him every success.”

Baty added: “I have enjoyed my time at Sportech and am proud of the progress that we have made in developing the group. I wish Ian and the team all the very best as they continue to take Sportech forward.”

Sportech, which began life as Rodime, an Edinburgh-based technology licensing company, also said that talks are continuing with Canadian-based suitor Contagious Gaming about a possible recommended takeover offer.