Sir Philip Davies named Chairman of Star Sports Group

Star Sports Group of Companies has appointed Sir Philip Davies as its new Chairman, replacing Russ Wiseman, who has resigned the position for personal reasons. The change was announced on Monday 2nd December 2024.

Davies takes on the role after almost two decades serving as the Member of Parliament for Shipley. His remit will be to help sustain the company’s recent growth.

Comment from leadership

Ben Keith, founder of Star Sports, thanked Wiseman for his support over the past two years and said he respected his decision to step back, wishing him a swift return to good health. Keith added that he expected the working relationship with Wiseman to continue into 2025.

Keith described Davies as an experienced addition to the senior management team and said the business looked forward to benefiting from his input in the years ahead.

Davies said he was pleased to join the company at what he called an exciting stage in its development, citing his admiration for the business built by Keith. He noted that his own introduction to the betting industry came through his mother’s betting shop, Marilyn Davies Bookmakers, and said he was keen to work with Keith’s management team on the group’s growth strategy and its approach to responsible operation.

About Star Sports

Star Sports, which brands itself the ‘Gentleman’s Bookmaker’, was launched as Star Racing in 1999 and is owned by founder Ben Keith. The company offers desktop, mobile and tablet betting, telephone betting, and high street shops including a Mayfair branch, alongside racecourse betting pitches at events such as the Cheltenham Festival, Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood. It sponsors UK horse racing fixtures and is the current sponsor of the English Greyhound Derby at Towcester.