Annexio, the Isle of Man’s leading lottery betting services business, has appointed Paul Telford as its General Counsel. The role has been developed to help steer Annexio through a sustained period of growth as it seeks to increase its customer base across multiple jurisdictions.

Paul, who has more than 17 years’ experience in the eGaming sector, was previously General Counsel at the Rational Group, best known for its PokerStars brand. He has also worked for PartyGaming, a Gibraltar-based operator in the online poker market.

After an early career change (he started work as a cardiology nurse at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London), Paul gained his Bachelor of Law from Queen Mary University of London in 1996. He joined the prestigious City law firm Allen & Overy where he became interested in the eGaming sector while working within the practice’s intellectual property litigation department. He later led the licensing and gaming section, advising both businesses and investors on the growing phenomenon of online gaming.

In 2012, Paul was named at one of the 50 “most innovative and inspiring people” in the online gaming industry by Gaming Intelligence Magazine. His new role at Annexio will involve providing legal and regulatory advice to the management and board, dealing with key external parties such as local regulators and external counsel, and providing strategic direction on managing the business’s intellectual property assets.

Commenting on his appointment, Paul said: “I am really looking forward to being part of what is undoubtedly a bright future at Annexio. Compared to online casino, poker and sports betting, the market for lottery services is relatively untapped and has huge potential so there are lots of opportunities for us to consider as a business while being mindful of developing legislation in this sector.”

Annexio Managing Director Jennifer Houghton said: “Paul joins us at an exciting time as we implement some ambitious plans to grow our business in a number of different markets. With regulatory frameworks continuing to evolve in the eGaming sector, Paul’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable in guiding us through the complex legal issues associated with working across international borders. I am delighted to welcome him to the team.”

Paul Telford’s appointment is the latest in a number at the lottery betting services business, which has its headquarters on Lord Street, Douglas. One of the fastest-growing eGaming businesses on the Island, Annexio now employs nearly 30 people, which includes representatives of 12 different nationalities.

Among others, Annexio owns the World Lottery Club brand, which allows players to bet on the outcomes of some of the largest lotteries around the globe offering the potential to win matching multi-million pound jackpots.

Photo - Paul Telford.