BOOKMAKER William Hill has begun searching for a new online supremo to take charge of its internet operations.

The group has hired headhunter Amos & Bailey to conduct the search for a senior executive who could eventually succeed Ralph Topping as group chief executive.

The bookie is relaunching its internet service in November after losing ground to rivals Ladbrokes and Coral. It is creating a new role for someone to head the entire online side.

About 20% of group revenue is derived from the internet, but Topping said at a recent City presentation that he hoped to increase this to around 30% following the relaunch. In time, it could account for half of all turnover.

There are suggestions that whoever is selected for the new post could be lined up to take over from Topping, who became chief executive in February.

One William Hill insider played down the speculation and said: “It’s not part of the process. Depending on who they find, that might be applicable, but Ralph has only just got into the job and there is a lot that he wants to do.

“He won’t be looking for people to replace him immediately, but for someone who looks like he might be a successor in the future Ralph would be a good mentor.”

Meanwhile, the government is this week expected to spell out its plans for the Tote, the state-owned betting operator.

Itmay announce that a sale of the business will go ahead in the autumn if market conditions allow. Previous estimates have suggested the Tote is worth £400m. Goldman Sachs is advising the government.

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