British bookmaker Fitzdares has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Nick Dutton as group chief operating officer.

Dutton brings 36 years’ experience to the role and joins Fitzdares from La Française des Jeux (FDJ)-owned Sporting Group, where he has served as chief technology officer (CTO) since June 2021.

Prior to that, he served as CEO of FDJ Gaming Solutions, and also worked more than 21 years at Ladbrokes (now part of Entain) as director of informations systems and programme management.

“We are over the moon to beef up our senior team with a highly experienced operator like Nick,” said Fitzdares CEO Will Woodhams. “He brings over 35 years of experience in the sector to our UK and international operations and will help make sure Fitzdares moves into our next 100 years with top-tier technology and services that will continue to offer a sporting experience like no other to our customers.

“Nick will also help to improve our non-racing products as we explore new opportunities towards achieving double-digit year-on-year business growth. He will be part of a rebuffed senior executive team alongside another recent recruit in Martin Semler, our new group CFO, who is based in our Toronto office.”

Commenting on his new appointment, Dutton said: “Fitzdares is an industry trailblazer, with an unrivalled blend of cutting-edge technology, a truly personal feel for its customers, and bold ambitions.

“The gaming industry is one of the most competitive out there, and Fitzdares offers something unique to its members that sets them apart. I’m excited to help build on this and ensure Fitzdares leads the pack when it comes to technology, service and customer experience.”

Based in Mayfair, Fitzdares is one of the UK’s oldest bookmakers and also operates in the Canadian province of Ontario.