Only days after announcing that he had decided to leave the Team Poker Stars Pro squad of sponsored professional players, John Duthie has revealed that he has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer for the European Poker Tour, which is part-owned by PokerStars.com.

The Englishman was instrumental in the establishment of the European Poker Tour in 2004 with his place set to be filled by Edgar Stuchly, who was named as President for the successful tour in August.

“It is time to move on and to leave the European Poker Tour in the capable hands of the existing management team,” said 53-year-old Duthie.

“It has been a fascinating and challenging seven years and I have watched the European Poker Tour grow phenomenally in that time thanks to the support of the players and the professionalism of a great team on the ground.

“There are going to be some amazing opportunities coming up in 2012 and 2013 as the US market prepares to open up for business once again and I want to be available to take on new challenges and to cement new relationships moving forward.”

Before joining the European Poker Tour, Stuchly was Head of Poker for Casinos Austria where he established the Casinos Austria Poker Tour and oversaw the operation of poker in twelve casinos.

“I wish the new President of the company, Edgar Stuchly, the best of luck in his position and trust that he will oversee the continued growth of the largest poker tour in the world,” said Leeds-born Duthie.

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