Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has appointed Gav Thompson as its new chief marketing officer.

Thompson will join Paddy Power having most recently served as chief marketing officer at customer engagement technology business Thunderhead.

Prior to this, Thompson was global director of business innovation at Telefonica, and previously served as director of marketing innovation for Telefonica Europe.

Thompson also enjoyed a four-year spell as head of brand strategy for O2 UK, where he founded community-run mobile phone network 'giffgaff'.

During his career, Thompson has worked with a number of leading agencies and major brands such as Guinness, PlayStation, Pepsi and Bacardi.

"I have always been a huge fan of the Paddy Power brand," Thompson said.

"The brand is over-flowing with creativity, entertainment, disruption, innovation and mischief.

"To be asked to be chief marketing officer of such a unique proposition is a real honour."

Andy McCue, chief executive officer of Paddy Power, added: "Gav is a world-class marketing talent, and his passion for customers, brand experiences and innovation matches perfectly with Paddy Power's.

"Gav joins at an exciting phase in the business, and will be a superb addition to a strong team."

Thompson will commence his new role at the bookmaker in June.

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