Former M&S boss in line for Ladbrokes role

Leaver: 12/1 to join Ladbrokes
Leaver: 12/1 to join Ladbrokes

The former head of Marks & ­Spencer’s international division, Carl Leaver, is on the shortlist to succeed Chris Bell, who is quitting as chief executive of Ladbrokes.

The news will surprise many in the City who had pencilled Leaver in as a possible replacement for Alan Parker at Whitbread, but sources of The Guardian suggest The Magic Sign need a man from the outside.

“Ladbrokes needs a retailing specialist, not just someone steeped in the gambling industry,” it claims.

Sports bookmaker Bodog agrees that it will take an outsider to improve Ladbrokes’ fortunes but remains a generous 12/1 about Leaver coming in. Read more.