Paddy Power has appointed Gav Thompson as its new chief marketing officer, taking over the company’s brand strategic direction.

Thompson has 20 years’ experience working in strategic marketing, brand, and innovation with leading consumer brands such Guinness, PlayStation, Toyota, 3, Absolut, Pepsi, FedEx, Bacardi, O2 and giffgaff.

Andy McCue, chief executive of Paddy Power, welcomed Thompson to the company and referred to him as “a world-class marketing talent and his passion for customers, brand experiences and innovation” a perfect match for the company.

“Gav joins at an exciting phase in the business, and will be a superb addition to a strong team,” added McCue