The UK Tote Group has brought in one of the most notable figures in UK gambling, appointing former Rank Group Chief Executive Officer, John O’Reilly, as a Non-Executive Director.
O’Reilly, who will join the 98-year-old business at the beginning of next month, makes the Tote Group his second big move of 2026, after becoming Chair of horse racing authority Weatherbys in March.
He brings over 35 years of experience in the horseracing, betting and gaming sectors, and only retired as CEO of Rank Group at the end of January this year.
At the time, he told iGaming Expert: “If I’m honest, I never thought about stopping. I have always thought I have the best job in the world, in all the roles that I have taken on.
“I’m 66 in May and I still feel like I’m in my twenties. I still work 70 hours a week, I have bundles of energy left, but I know now is the time to step away.”
That energy now looks to be headed towards the Tote Group, which also unveiled a partnership with prominent rugby league side Wigan Warriors despite a dip in marketing budgets across UK operators.
Other notable industry positions held by O’Reilly include a near-two decade stint as Executive Director of Ladbrokes between 1992-2011, Managing Director of Gala Coral Group from 2011-2015, and Non-Executive Director roles at TelecityGroup (2007-2016) and William Hill (2017-2018).
On his appointment, he said: “Like so many people deeply involved in gambling and horseracing, I have had many connections with, and fond memories of the Tote over the years.
“While the Tote has a century of history, I believe it has a very valuable role to play in the future of horseracing, both in the UK and Ireland and around the globe.
“The Tote has an impressive story to tell of innovation and growth in recent years, and through further enhancements to the pool product, alongside developing deepening international partnerships, I believe the Tote has its best days ahead of it.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the UK Tote Group board and to support the Tote’s future success.”
O’Reilly latest name on Tote board
O’Reilly becomes the latest member to join the Tote Group’s board, whose leadership team has undergone somewhat of a shakeup in recent weeks.
Just over a week ago, Chief Operating Officer Dave Hammond left the business after eight months in the position and three years at the Greater Manchester-headquartered firm. Former KPMG figure Andrew Weir has also recently been appointed as a Non-Executive Director.
O’Reilly joins the Tote Group amid a period of sustained pressure for the sport of horse racing – the Tote’s primary business. The sport’s relations with gambling were strained during the debate in the lead up to last year’s tax hikes, while it remains reliant on the racing betting levy, sponsorship and media rights payments for financial support.
The sport has escaped the worst of the tax increases, however, having been excluded from this year’s increase in Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) and next year’s increase in General Betting Duty (GBD).
John Williamson, Chairman of the UK Tote Group, commented: “We are pleased to welcome John to the UK Tote Group board.
“As one of the most experienced and respected leaders in the betting industry, John will provide valuable support to the Tote team, particularly in relation to product development and customer experience.
“We are delighted to have John join the team, alongside Andrew Weir who joined the UK Tote Group board earlier this month.”