Bookmakers Ladbrokes has confirmed the appointment of Kristof Fahy, formerly of the Telegraph Media Group, as its new chief marketing officer. Mr Fahy worked with Ladbrokes’ rival chain William Hill for five years. The move comes ahead of a proposed merger between Ladbrokes and Coral, which would create the largest bookmaker in the UK.

Ladbrokes’ chief executive, Jim Mullen said: "When I set out the Ladbrokes organic plan for building long term recreational scale and made the necessary budget commitment to boost our marketing presence, I was always conscious that I would need an experienced and creative marketing professional to lead the programme.

"In Kristof, I have recruited the right leader who can help us maximise our spend and grow the long term loyal customer base that will build a better Ladbrokes and deliver our long term targets and ambitions."