Rigby will begin his duties from January 5th next year, having held a number of government roles, most recently serving as National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada.

He has also served as president of the Canada Border Services Agency and associate deputy director of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

“Stephen Rigby was chosen for his skills and experience in leading organizational change,” OLG chairman Philip Olsson said. “The board is confident that Mr Rigby has the ideal experience for the job and will follow through on OLG's renewal plan.

“Under his leadership, OLG will keep its focus on responsible gambling while building a strong lottery, gaming, charitable gaming and iGaming industry,” he added.

As president and CEO of OLG, Rigby will take charge of a business with 7,000 employees, and lottery product sales at more than 9,800 retail locations throughout the province. It is set to launch its iGaming offering, PlayOLG.ca, early next year. He will also oversee the integration of horse racing into its gaming strategy to help ensure a sustainable industry.

OLG generates approximately CAD$2bn a year for the Ontario government, the largest source of non-tax revenue in the province, with the funds used for healthcare and education.

“I am eager to begin my role with the OLG Board and management team at this critical point in OLG’s transition,” Rigby commented. “I will be focused on helping to ensure OLG is offering its customers the best possible lottery and gaming entertainment experience for the benefit of the people and the Province of Ontario.”

The state’s Minister of Finance Charles Sousa said he looked forward to working with Rigby “as he leads OLG in its continued modernization to increase returns supporting important priorities for Ontarians, including health care and education, while promoting a sustainable horse racing industry.”

Rigby replaces Rod Philips in the role, who resigned to take up a position in the private sector in January. The lottery’s executive vice president, chief transformation officer and chief information officer Tom Marinelli has served as CEO on a temporary basis while the board searched for a replacement for Philips.