UK online gambling site Ladbrokes has appointed Edward Ihre, former Poker Room manager, as first managing director of its poker division.

Ihre is set to head Ladbrokes poker marketing and product development teams in London and will report to John O'Reilly, managing director of remote betting and gaming.

Previously, Ihre achieved great success as director of affiliates and partnerships at PokerStars and had a great track record at Poker Room, where he increased the affiliate contribution of new customers ten fold.

Commenting on his new position, 33-year-old Ihre said: "Ladbrokes poker is a strong brand in the online poker world and also operates some of the best offline events.

“My focus will be on continuing the innovation and growth Ladbrokespoker.com has demonstrated in recent years and establishing a market-leading affiliate network"