UK Tote Group names Williamson as new chairman

The UK Tote Group has announced the appointment of John Williamson as its non-executive chairman, with effect from 1 September.

Williamson will bring significant international business and financial expertise to the organisation, with the group saying the appointment will support its ongoing growth plans.

Since 2018, Williamson has served as the chairman and managing partner of Generations Limited, which provides bespoke consulting and management services for family offices, entrepreneurs and executives.

Prior to this, he was senior managing director of private investment company Search Investment Group, having also spent time as managing director and head of infrastructure and operational risk for Asia at Morgan Stanley.

Aside from this, Williamson is an independent non-executive director of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) exchange group, where he also chairs the board risk committee and is a member of the board executive, audit, corporate social responsibility, remuneration and statutory risk management committees.

“I am a keen race-goer and have long admired the outstanding work of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, running two world-class racecourses, and operating the world’s largest sports wagering business,” Williamson said.

“My dual enthusiasm for racing and business, alongside being able to provide an international perspective will, I hope, be of considerable value to the UK Tote Group team and to British horseracing.”

UK Tote Group chief executive Alex Frost said Williamson’s experience in and knowledge of the Asian market will support the organisation’s wider growth plans in the region.

“John’s broad international experience in global finance and business, his track record in guiding international brands and operations, notably more than a decade on the board of Asia’s leading stock exchange, HKEX,” Frost said.

“His extensive experience in Asia, in particular, will support our ambitious programme to expand our partnerships with other global pool betting organisations around the world, a cornerstone of our growth strategy for the Tote.”