The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has announced the appointment of Rod Phillips as the new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 10, 2011. As OLG’s new President and CEO, Mr. Phillips will lead an executive team that is being down-sized from ten positions to seven and will work with the Board of Directors to find greater cost savings within the organization.
“The Board is confident Rod is the right leader to continue our efforts towards improving performance, efficiency and cutting costs,” said Mr. Paul V. Godfrey, Chair of the Board of Directors in the press release. “Rod has the experience and skills needed to lead our newly-streamlined organization and improve financial results of this important agency for Ontario.”
Mr. Phillips isn’t exactly a gaming industry expert, prior to his appointment by OLG, Phillips was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Shepell-FGI, one of North America’s leading providers of health and productivity solutions for employers and organizations.
“I look forward to working closely with the OLG Board and management team to build an organization that continues to be more accountable, transparent and results-driven,” said Mr. Phillips in the press release. “My first priority will be to learn as much as I can by listening to our customers, patrons, stakeholders and employees. I’m looking forward to getting to work and ensuring OLG is offering the best in lottery and gaming entertainment.”
Rod Phillips does have an impressive resume, and his involvement as the Founding Chair of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s Transforming Lives gala makes him an attractive choice for CEO. As a past member of the Boards of the Canadian Psychiatric Research and Mental Health, Phillips has the background to address concerns over problem gambling, which is key since the OLG is moving towards enacting its own online gambling website.
