Exclusive: Gamban appoints new CEO amid transformation to non-profit organisation
COO Daniel Umfleet promoted to senior role following management departures
Online gambling blocking software provider Gamban has promoted COO Daniel Umfleet to the position of CEO following the departure of founders Matt Zarb-Cousin and Jack Symons.
The exit of the duo coincides with a company-wide pivot to a non-profit entity, although Gamban said Symons and Zarb-Cousin will “continue to concentrate on the role of technology in preventing gambling-related harms”.
The switch to non-profit will allow Gamban to receive charitable donations from organisations, something which it is currently prohibited from doing under UK business law.
Umfleet has served as COO of the gambling blocking service since June 2018, also taking on the role of managing director in March 2019.
Zarb-Cousin recently left Gamban to assume the role of head of communications for Labour Party leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey, who is currently 5/1 on Oddschecker to be elected as head of the opposition.
Zarb-Cousin previously served as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s media spokesperson between May 2016 and April 2017. He has also been a consultant and spokesperson for the Campaign for Safer Gambling, spearheading its efforts in the drive to reduce stakes on fixed-odds betting terminals in betting shops.
In addition to these departures, Gamban has confirmed the appointment of Kindred Group’s head of responsible gaming and research, Maris Catania (nee Bonello), to its board of directors.
“As part of my role in Kindred for the last few years, consumer protection has always been part and parcel of my everyday work,” said Catania.
“Being part of the Gamban board will give me further opportunity in helping this happen even more, and I am delighted to be part of this new direction that Gamban are taking. Gamban have always added high-value service and protective measures,” she added.
In October 2018, GambleAware confirmed it would make Gamban available for free to individuals who are referred from GamCare, the National Problem Gambling Clinic and the Gordon Moody Association.