PartyGaming director steps down

The Board of PartyGaming Plc has been given notice by John O’Malia, Group Managing Director, of his intention to leave the Company in order to pursue other business interests. Mr O’Malia will remain with the Group until the end of February 2009 when he will step down from the Board and his duties as Managing Director will be assumed by Jim Ryan, Group Chief Executive.

John O’Malia was Chief Executive of Gamebookers, until it was acquired by PartyGaming in August 2006. Having agreed to remain with the Group following the integration of Gamebookers, he became a member of the senior management team and was appointed to the Board of PartyGaming in May 2008.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Jim Ryan, Group Chief Executive Officer said:

“Over the past two and a half years, John has made a significant contribution to the transformation and leadership of the Group. In particular, his vision and dedication were fundamental to the successful launch of the next generation of our signature PartyPoker.com product in September 2008. John is a natural leader and is keen to fulfil his potential in a more senior management role that will play to his considerable industry and management experience. Whilst saddened by his decision to leave the Group, we wish him every success for the future.”

John O’Malia, Group Managing Director, commented:

“My time at PartyGaming has been extraordinary. We have made enormous strides in repositioning the Group’s gaming portfolio, something that I was determined to achieve before moving on. I am enormously proud of the progress we have made and the fact that many of the Group’s games are now once again recognised as being best in class. Whilst I shall certainly miss the excitement of working for the world’s leading listed online gaming company, I am looking forward to taking on fresh business challenges.”