Paddy Power commercial director to run Tombola as Flutter completes acquisition
Ben Reilly to become MD of bingo operator as former journalist Duncan Wright hired as head of mischief at Paddy Power
Flutter Entertainment has promoted Paddy Power Sports commercial director Ben Reilly to MD of Tombola following the conclusion of the £402m acquisition of the Sunderland-based online bingo business.
Flutter confirmed the completion of the all-cash deal which will see privately-owned Tombola join the Dublin-headquartered firm’s ecosystem of brands.
The deal was originally announced in November 2021 and has concluded after receiving the green light from the UK Competition and Markets Authority and other standard regulatory checks.
Reilly will lead operations for Tombola, having joined Paddy Power as an online graduate in 2010 before climbing his way up the ladder at the Irish firm.
He has served as commercial director for Paddy Power Sports since January 2018, having previously held positions such as head of planning and performance as well as head of sportsbook marketing.
Reilly also had a brief stint in Australia as a retention marketing manager for Flutter’s Sportsbet brand.
Speaking on his appointment, Reilly said: “I am delighted to have been appointed MD of Tombola and look forward to working closely with its talented team to further cement its position as the UK’s leading online bingo operator.
“The acquisition of Tombola delivers several strategic advantages to Flutter, from its highly engaged recreational customer base to its rich heritage in safer gambling. I’ve no doubt it will prove to be a valuable and complementary addition to the strong stable of brands already within Flutter’s UK and Ireland division,” he added.
Elsewhere, Paddy Power has appointed Duncan Wright as the firm’s new head of mischief.
After nearly three decades working in journalism, Wright joins the operator to head up the tongue-in-cheek marketing efforts it has become renowned for.
Wright joins Paddy Power from his role as a senior football and sports reporter for The Sun, where he had worked since January 2016.
Posting on LinkedIn, Wright said: “After almost 30 years in journalism, mostly national and mostly sport, I’m delighted to today be embarking on an exciting new chapter in my career.
“I’m proud to have been appointed as the new head of mischief for Paddy Power, and looking forward massively to working with their brilliant team having some fun and in the coming months and years,” he added.