Guy Templer appointed Chief Operating Officer of Rational Group

Guy Templer, PokerStars

Guy Templer has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer of Rational Group, the operator of the world’s largest poker business, PokerStars.

Templer, who is currently Chief Strategy Officer, will assume the role on January 1 and continue to report to Rafi Ashkenazi, CEO of Amaya and Rational Group.

He will be responsible for the day-to-day management of significant parts of the organisation including customer support, security and payments, whilst retaining responsibility for the launch of core products into new markets.

Ashkenazi said: “Guy has been a key architect of our strategy and our Operational Excellence efforts that are driving our business toward sustainable, diversified growth. His deep knowledge of the company, our customers and our products combined with his industry expertise makes him a vital member of our executive management team.”

Templer commented: “Rafi and I have a great established working relationship. My renewed focus on the operations side of the business, both core products and new markets, will free Rafi to continue to deliver the strategic gains that we’ve planned for our growing portfolio of brands for 2017 and beyond.”

Templer, who joined PokerStars in 2011 as Group Director of Business Development and Strategy, has directed key initiatives including PokerStars’ re-entry into the US market, launches for casino, sportsbook and social gaming products, and the local licensing of the company’s brands across Europe.

Prior to joining Rational Group, Templer held positions at NetPlay TV Plc as Chief Operating Officer, and Two Way TV as Group Commercial Director and Managing Director.