The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has announced the promotion of Michael Fitzsimons to the position of Executive Director of Wagering Products – effective from 1 September 2022.

A former executive of The Stars Group Inc (TSG), Fitzsimons joined HKJC in February of last year, taking on the responsibilities of Director of Football Trading 

The promotion sees him join the Board of Management, reporting directly to HKJC Group Chief Executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges.

Fitzsimons will be charged with overseeing the day-to-day wagering operations of HKJC’s flagship horseracing unit, alongside its football wagering unit and the Mark-6 Lottery.

Further responsibilities will see Fitzsimons lead the international commingling business and China Sports Lottery cooperation development.

The club deemed Fitzsimons as the outstanding candidate to lead its wagering units “with an extensive knowledge of sports betting and the application of artificial intelligence to trading, Mr Fitzsimons will help sustain the growth and development of the Club’s wagering business”.

This July, HKJC announced a positive return to business from the COVID-19 pandemic as turnover for the 2021/22 Hong Kong racing season increased by 3% year-on-year to HK$140bn, with local race turnover standing at HK$129.9bn. 

Following the results of a positive racing season,  CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges stated that HJKC had built the foundations to expand its profile and offering beyond Asian markets.