Star Sports appoint former conservative MP Sir Philip Davies as new chair

Imago

Star Sports Group have appointed former Conservative MP for Shipley, Sir Philip Davies, as their new chair succeeding the current incumbent of almost two years, Russ Wiseman.

Wiseman steps down from his role citing ‘personal reasons’ for his exit.

However, he will stay on to assist in a senior advisor capacity.

Star Sports founder Ben Keith said: “I want to thank Russ Wiseman for all the personal and professional support he has provided us over the last two years and totally respect his decision to stand down wishing him a speedy return to good health. 

“I look forward to continuing mine and Star’s effective working relationship with Russ in 2025.

“We are delighted to be announcing Philip as our new Chairman. He has a wealth of experience and is a valuable addition to our senior management team. We look forward to learning from him over the coming years.”

As an MP, Davies became a strong advocate of the gambling industry, often highlighting its role as a key employer in local communities and its support for UK racing’s rural network and heritage. While also being vice chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Betting and Gaming.

A Party set up to act as a go-between for the industry and parliament to advise on fair and safe gambling and government gambling-related issues.

It was also during debates on the Gambling Review’s White Paper, that Davies criticised the implementation of the £125 and £500 net-loss affordability checks, describing them as a genuine threat to UK racing.

Davies, who has close family ties to the sports betting industry, appeared eager to get going in his new position: “I am delighted to be joining Star Sports at such an exciting time in the company’s history. I have been lucky enough to get to know Ben [Keith] over the last few years and I have huge admiration for the business that he has built.

“Not many know that I started my working life in my mother’s betting shop (Marilyn Davies Bookmakers), so the industry is very much in my blood. I’m hugely looking forward to working closely with Ben and his management team to fulfil the group’s growth strategy and commitment to operating responsibly.”