William Hill names operations director as new chief

Bookmaker William Hill today named company veteran James Henderson as its new chief executive, succeeding current boss Ralph Topping at the start of next month.

Henderson, who has been with the group for 29 years, is currently operations director overseeing the group’s UK retail business, online arm and activities in Australia and the US.

Topping, who is also chairman of the Scottish Professional Football League, steps down at the end of the month after 44 years with the bookmaker, including six years as chief executive.

He said: “As a ‘one company man’ I am naturally a big supporter of William Hill and its people, so I really wish James and the rest of our management team all the success in the world in continuing to take the company forward.”