Jim Lightbody Appointed Interim BCLC President
The board of directors of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation has accepted the resignation of the group's president and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Graydon, effective immediately.
Graydon, who has been in the job for six years, and who is leaving to pursue an opportunity in the private sector, will be replaced by Jim Lightbody for an interim period.
Lightbody has been with the BCLC for 13 years and has served as vice president of lottery gaming and, most recently, as vice president of casino and community gaming.
This is the second time this year that a Canadian provincial lottery has had its head leave, after Rod Phillips resigned from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation at the beginning of January.
Graydon Helped BCLC Expand
The chair of BCLC's board of directors, Bud Smith, praised Michael Graydon in his role of President and CEO and said: "Under Michael?s leadership, the corporation increased its revenue by $235m while also significantly expanding its social responsibility programs. He leaves BCLC as a well-run organization with an excellent management team and a committed, dedicated group of employees."
Smith said that the BCLC wished Graydon much success in his future endeavors and would ensure that strong leadership continued during the period of transition.
"BCLC makes a vital contribution to the Province of British Columbia and it was a pleasure to be part of such a vibrant and dynamic organization," said Graydon in his departing speech. "I know it will continue to fulfill its mandate under the leadership of Jim Lightbody, the strong management team and exemplary staff."
The search is now on for a new president and CEO, and the BCLC said that it would determine the process to fill the position permanently in the coming weeks.
"BCLC makes a vital contribution to the Province and, with its strong management team in place, will continue to fulfill its mandate and generate revenue that benefits all British Columbians," said the group.
Canadian Online Gambling
In his six years as BCLC head, Graydon moved into previously uncharted spheres, making the company the first Canadian lottery operator to offer online gambling through the creation of the PlayNow.com website.
BCLC has become a leader in Canadian online lottery and gambling platforms and serves as a model for other provincial lottery operator seeking to enter this market as well.
