Guy Templer named Rational Group COO

Amaya has appointed Guy Templer as COO of its operating business, the Rational Group, the company announced today.

Templer, who is currently the group’s chief strategy officer, will assume the role on 1 January, reporting into Amaya CEO Rafi Ashkenazi.

The Rational Group COO position was previously held by Israel Rosenthal, who departed on 1 August.

Templer will take on responsibility for the day-to-day management of several divisions within the PokerStars operating company, including customer support, security & integrity, information security, and payments.

He will also maintain his existing responsibility for the teams launching core products into new markets and adding new verticals within existing markets.

“Guy has been a key architect of our strategy and our operational excellence efforts that are driving our business toward sustainable, diversified growth,” said Ashkenazi.

“His deep knowledge of the company, our customers and our products combined with his industry expertise makes him a vital member of our executive management team.”

Templer joined PokerStars in 2011 as group director of business development and strategy and has directed key initiatives including PokerStars’ re-entry into the US market; the launches of casino, sportsbook and social gaming; and the local licensing of Amaya brands across Europe.

Prior to joining PokerStars, Templer was COO at NetPlay TV.

“Rafi and I have a great established working relationship,” said Templer. “My renewed focus on the operations side of the business, both core products and new markets, will free Rafi to continue to deliver the strategic gains that we’ve planned for our growing portfolio of brands for 2017 and beyond.”

EGR NA understands Templer has emerged as one of Ashkenazis’s key executives and is well-trusted. He was a key driver in the William Hill merger talks, and in licensed market entries in recent years.