Stephen Rigby has just been appointed as the new chief executive officer and president of the Canada-based Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). The announcement has come almost one year after the company’s former CEO Rod Philips left his position.
Mr. Rigby will take up his duties on Monday, January 5. It is important to note that up until recently, he was a National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada. He held some other government positions, as well. Mr. Rigby is a former deputy director of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and Canada Border Services Agency’s president.
Philip Olsson, OLG’s chairman, shared that Rigby was appointed as the company’s new president and CEO due to his considerable experience and indisputable skills. Mr. Olsson pointed out that OLG’s management team is convinced that Rigby is perfect for his position and he will certainly “follow through on OLG’s renewal plan.”
The chairman also stated that the company will stay focused on the promotion of reasonable gambling and the creation of a competitive lottery and gaming industry.
As OLG’s president and chief executive officer, Mr. Rigby will be responsible for the whole business, its 7,000 workers, and its 9,800 shops on the territory of Ontario. Moreover, horse racing and more particularly, its integration into its respective gaming strategy is also expected to be supervised by the new president and CEO.
As it was announced, the company is planning to launch its iGaming product PlayOLG.ca in the first months of 2015. Mr. Rigby will monitor the introduction of the platform.
Annually, OLG contributes the amount of CA$2 billion to local government’s coffers. The money is predominantly used for making improvements in healthcare and education.
Mr. Rigby shared that he was particularly happy with his appointment. He said he was glad that he joined OLG’s management team and board of directors at such an important stage in the company’s development. He also promised that fans of lottery and various other games will be offered the best experience, for this will certainly contribute to the well-being of the entire Province of Ontario.
Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance, shared his excitement to work with Rigby. According to Mr. Sousa, OLG’s new CEO and president is the right person for this position and he will help the company go through its transition and modernization period. He also pointed out that he expects for profits to rise and hence, more money to be invested in healthcare and education.
As mentioned above, Stephen Rigby is replacing Rod Philips. The latter left his position of a president and CEO of OLG back in January, 2014. Tom Marinelli, an executive vice president of the company, took his place temporarily while the board was looking for a permanent replacement for Phillips.
