Ladbrokes UK marketing director leaves for Punch Taverns

Ladbrokes UK retail marketing director Barry Clemo is leaving the company to join pub operator Punch Taverns in a similar role. The betting shop chain is now seeking a replacement.

Clemo, who is due to start his new role next month, is leaving the company due to the communte from his Derbyshire home to the company’s headquarters in Harrow. He has been with Ladbrokes for at least a year.

During his tenure, he has developed a commercial strategy for Ladbrokes across its retail outlets, including including branding, promotions and in-shop broadcasting. He was also the driving force behind the chain becoming the first high street bookmakers to advertise on TV. The TV ad (pictured), which was also a first for Ladbrokes, starred pundit Jimmy Hill and former footballers Ally McCoist and Ian Wright (MW 11 October 2007).

The ad, created by M&C Saatchi, faced an Advertising Standards Authority investigation after attracting complaints accusing it of encouraging bravado. It was later cleared in what was seen as a test case for the new controls on gambling advertising (MW 20 December 2007).

Prior to Ladbrokes, Clemo spent several years as marketing director for Gala Coral.