Fitzdares to Part Ways with CEO Woodhams

Fitzdares, a leading gaming and betting company in the UK, is set to part ways with its chief executive officer William Woodhams. Speaking on his departure, Woodhams said that he “loved every second” of his time at the helm of the operator.

He is set to end his time as CEO on Friday.

Seven Years in Racing Is Equivalent to 70 Years in a Normal Job

Woodhams joined the Fitzdares family in July 2018, becoming CEO of one of the oldest bookmakers in the world. Fitzdares has been taking bets since 1882 and has cemented a strong position, especially among fans of horse races.

Prior to joining Fitzdaes, Woodhams served brand fame agency Mission as a board member. Before that, he had a three-year stint with French Connection, a global fashion retailer. Earlier still, he served luxury leader LVMH as sales and marketing manager for almost six years.

During his almost seven-year tenure as CEO of Fitzdares, Woodhams doubled down on horseracing betting, relishing in the dynamic ecosystem. Reflecting on his time with the bookmaker, he said that “seven years in racing is like dog years” – equivalent to 70 years in a normal job.

As CEO, he was responsible for getting the company through many difficulties, including the advent of COVID-19 and the economic and political instability in its aftermath. As if that wasn’t enough, the racing sector has been dealing with significant regulatory headwinds in the wake of the Gambling Act white paper.

Woodhams’ Departure Ends His Family’s Relationship with Racing

Woodhams, who loved every second of his time as CEO of Fitzdares, said that, while his time leading the company has been great, he believes it is time to move on. In an interview with the Racing Post, he said:

It has been fantastic and fun and I am very pleased we passed our Gambling Commission assessment and all of that but it is bloody hard work and I think it is time to let someone else have a go.

William Woodhams, outgoing CEO, Fitzdares

He added he believes that the horseracing community tends to be warmer than the soccer, cricket and casino communities.

On X, Woodhams posted that he decided to exit the racing sector shortly after Christmas. He also noted that his departure would, unfortunately, end his family’s 200 uninterrupted years within the racing industry. He said that he plans to work as a board member of Marble for the time being.

The Betting and Gaming Council said that Woodhams’ departure is a “huge loss to the racing sector.” The association thanked Woodhams for his incredible contributions to horseracing and wished him all the best for his “next adventures.”