Sportingbet has named James Wilkinson as its FD in waiting.

The move comes as part of extensive restructuring efforts launched after the company was forced out of the lucrative US market when Congress clamped down on overseas operators in 2006.

The AIM-quoted company said: James Wilkinson brings extensive listed company and finance experience to Sportingbet.'

Wilkinson was previously group FD of Johnson Service Group from 2004 - 2007. Prior to that he worked at Informa Group plc for ten years in a variety of roles culminating in the position of Group Finance Director from 1998 - 2004. He started his career at Touche Ross where he qualified as a chartered accountant in 1991.

Peter Dicks has also been brought in as non-executive chairman.

Andrew McIver, CEO of Sportingbet, commented: 'I am delighted to welcome both
Peter and Jim to the Group. Subsequent to our complete exit from the US market
following the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act in October
2006 we embarked on a significant restructuring of the business.This is now largely finished and with these two appointments we complete the personnel changes we wished to make as part of that restructuring. The restructuring and other initiatives we have undertaken since October 2006 provide the group with a solid foundation from which to deliver future growth. Current trading is encouraging and we are confident we are on track to meet full year expectations.'

Wilkinson becomes group FD as of 1 February 2008.

Further reading:

US pullout costs SportingBet £310m