Betfair Head of Legal Department Announces Departure

After nine years of service, Betfair's often outspoken head of legal affairs and company secretary, Martin Cruddace, will be leaving the company this autumn, first giving up his executive roles at the end of June. At Betfair, he first served as group director of corporate and legal affairs in July 2004, and according to Betfair chief executive Breon Corcoran, Cruddace played a significant role in Betfair's development. Cruddace also represented Betfair's cause in a high profile legal dispute with William Hill plc, and he was instrumental in improving relationships with the British Horse Racing Association. So far, it is not known what his plans for the future are after leaving Betfair. Another comment on his departure arrived from BHA chief executive Paul Bittar who said: "I am sorry to hear of Martin's departure and wish him well in the future. No-one could question his commitment to the Betfair cause and he was a driving force behind the groundbreaking commercial deal struck last summer - it simply wouldn't have happened without him - and he showed considerable foresight to bring the parties together."