Sky Bet marketing chief in sudden exit

Sky Bet marketing director Simon Miller is to leave the BSkyB-owned betting and gaming business after two years at the helm.

The satellite broadcaster has confirmed Miller’s departure, saying he is leaving immediately to “pursue other opportunities” and spend time with his family. It is not known if Miller has a job to go to, although he is said to be considering options.

His departure follows the appointment of St Luke’s to the &£6m creative account earlier this year following a competitive pitch (MW May 11). The three-way pitch, which included Sky roster agencies Beattie McGuinness Bungay and United London, was triggered when Sky Bet and incumbent Mother parted company (MW February 8).

Sky Bet poached Miller from gambling rival Ladbrokes, where he had been head of international marketing for online gaming since January 2002 (MW August 12, 2004). He took over from David McIntosh who had looked after marketing on an interim basis since the beginning of 2004.

Prior to Ladbrokes, Miller held various account director roles at JWT and Publicis. A replacement for Miller, who will report to Sky’s director of betting and gaming, Nick Rust, has yet to be announced.

Sky Bet increased its revenue by 16% to &£37m in the year to June 2006. The division runs telephone, interactive and internet gambling services and is to launch a Sky interactive poker service later this year.