Bingo Chief Quits

The Bingo industry has been hit with the news this morning that Gala Bingo chief Simon Longbottom has resigned to take up a role outside of the Bingo industry. Mr Longbottom was the Managing Director of Gala Coral and is understood to be taking up a position in the leisure industry – rumoured to be the pub market.

Mark Sergeant will take up the postion in the interim period. Mr Sergeant was appointed Group Gaming Director of Gala Coral in July, previously before his appointment he had been Sommercial Director of Gala Gaming Division since July 2008.

The move comes at an interesting time for Gala's parent company who are in the middle of a takeove bid from the Blackstone Group. Blackstone are looking to pump £300 million into company with an eye to receive a reciprical controlling stake, rumoured to be between 40 and 60 per cent.