British bookmaker William Hill has fired chief executive James Henderson after only two years in the job because the bookmaker's board said he was failing to deliver enough growth in online and international gambling.

Mr Henderson was promoted from the role of operations director when the highly regarded Ralph Topping retired in 2014. Mr Topping had helped to make the company Britain’s largest listed bookmaker by adding online and international operations to its chain of high street betting shops. The industry faces higher taxes and tighter regulation. A series of mergers among rivals has intensified the competition for William Hill as gambling companies increasingly market themselves to younger sports fans betting via mobile apps.

William Hill said in a brief statement on Thursday that Mr Henderson had left with immediate effect, without giving any details.

Speaking to Reuters, chairman Gareth Davis did not dispute that the CEO had been fired after more than 30 years with the company. “There remain significant challenges and in the recent past online has not performed in line with our high expectations as a company at the forefront of the market,” Mr Davis told Reuters.

Mr Henderson, who received £914,417 in salary and benefits in 2015, will be paid 12 month’s notice as per his contract but no bonus for 2016, the company said.

The company said chief financial officer Philip Bowcock had been appointed interim chief executive.

William Hill said its trading remained in line with the previous guidance, with an expectation to produce £260 million to £280 million (€313 million to €336 million) of operating profit in 2016.

Reuters