Roger Parkes, a distinguished industry veteran and the Director of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs at Betway Group, has announced his departure from the company after nearly a decade of dedicated service. Parkes, who has been a pivotal figure in shaping Betway’s compliance framework, revealed his decision to take a break, recharge, and reflect before embarking on his next professional challenge.
Betway’s Farewell to an Esteemed Compliance Leader
Parkes’ journey with Betway began in July 2015 when he joined as the Global Head of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs. His role was initially based in London, but in June 2018, he relocated to Malta, where his tireless efforts earned him a promotion to Director of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs. During his tenure, Parkes managed critical areas such as regulatory compliance, licensing, betting integrity, customer welfare, Know Your Customer (KYC), and Anti-Money Laundering (AML).
Reflecting on his time at Betway, Parkes said that he recognized the company’s potential from the outset. He emphasized that his efforts were instrumental in securing Betway’s SGHC and NYSE listing. Parkes played a crucial role in developing an efficient culture of compliance and corporate oversight, contributing significantly to the company’s restructuring efforts.
Parkes further added: “I’m proud to say I had the unwavering support of the Board to develop a highly effective and industry-respected Compliance/AML/BI/DP and Safer Gambling team.”
A Distinguished Career in Compliance
Before his influential role at Betway, Parkes had a diverse career in the gambling and compliance sectors. He served at the Gambling Commission, first as a remote and technical adviser from July 2006 and later as a senior manager of sector and thematics from April 2014. Between these roles, he was the group compliance director at Betfair for nearly six years. His extensive experience and expertise have made him a highly respected figure in the industry.
Plans for a Well-Deserved Break
Announcing his departure on LinkedIn, Parkes expressed mixed feelings about leaving Betway. He expressed immense gratitude for the support he received during his tenure, thanking the chairman, CEO, other executives, and his team for their enthusiasm, commitment, and professionalism. Parkes remains optimistic about Betway’s future, praising its successful strategy.
Looking ahead, Parkes plans to take a few months off to rest and recharge. He noted that some of the friendships formed during his tenure would endure despite his departure and wished his colleagues the best of luck. Parkes added that he had not yet contemplated concrete professional plans following his sojourn but was confident that a new opportunity would soon present itself.
He said: “Like others who have left one role without another lined up, it is both unnerving and exciting, but the next challenge/opportunity is just over the horizon!”
Parkes’ Legacy at Betway
Parkes’ legacy at Betway is marked by his unwavering dedication to building a robust compliance framework. His work has ensured that Betway operates with the highest standards of integrity and responsibility. Under his leadership, the compliance team at Betway has become one of the most respected in the industry, known for its diligence and effectiveness in maintaining regulatory standards.
The Future of Betway’s Compliance Framework
As Betway bids farewell to Roger Parkes, the company remains committed to upholding the strong compliance framework he helped build. Betway’s ongoing dedication to regulatory compliance, customer welfare, and ethical operations continues to be a cornerstone of its business strategy. The company is well-positioned to carry forward Parkes’ legacy and maintain its reputation as a leader in the gaming industry.
Final Thoughts
Roger Parkes’ departure marks the end of an era for Betway, but it also heralds new beginnings for both Parkes and the company. His contributions to Betway have been invaluable, and his influence will be felt for years to come. As he takes time to recharge and reflect, the industry eagerly anticipates what his next professional chapter will bring.
FAQs About Roger Parkes Departs Betway Group After Nearly a Decade of Transformative Service
1. Who is Roger Parkes?
Roger Parkes is the former Director of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs at Betway Group. He has been a key figure in shaping Betway’s compliance framework over nearly a decade of service.
2. When did Roger Parkes join Betway Group?
Roger Parkes joined Betway in July 2015 as the Global Head of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs.
3. What roles did Roger Parkes hold at Betway?
Roger Parkes initially served as the Global Head of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs. In June 2018, he was promoted to Director of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs after relocating to Malta.
4. What were Roger Parkes’ main responsibilities at Betway?
Parkes managed regulatory compliance, licensing, betting integrity, customer welfare, Know Your Customer (KYC), and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) during his tenure at Betway.
5. What significant contributions did Roger Parkes make at Betway?
Roger Parkes played a crucial role in securing Betway’s SGHC and NYSE listing, developing a strong culture of compliance and corporate oversight, and contributing to significant restructuring efforts.
6. What was Roger Parkes’ career before joining Betway?
Before joining Betway, Roger Parkes had a diverse career in the gambling and compliance sectors, including roles at the Gambling Commission and Betfair. He served as a remote and technical adviser, senior manager of sector and thematics, and group compliance director at Betfair.
7. Why is Roger Parkes leaving Betway?
Roger Parkes announced his departure to take a break, recharge, and reflect before pursuing his next professional challenge.
8. What are Roger Parkes’ plans after leaving Betway?
Roger Parkes plans to take a few months off to rest and recharge. While he has not yet contemplated concrete professional plans, he is confident that a new opportunity will soon present itself.
9. How did Roger Parkes feel about his departure from Betway?
Roger Parkes expressed mixed feelings about leaving Betway. He is grateful for the support he received during his tenure and remains optimistic about Betway’s future.
10. What did Roger Parkes say about his team at Betway?
Roger Parkes expressed pride in developing a highly effective and industry-respected Compliance/AML/BI/DP and Safer Gambling team with the unwavering support of the Board.
11. What is Betway’s commitment to compliance after Roger Parkes’ departure?
Betway remains committed to upholding the strong compliance framework that Roger Parkes helped build. The company continues to prioritize regulatory compliance, customer welfare, and ethical operations.