Hippodrome’s Simon Thomas becomes first ICE London ambassador

Thomas will hold the honourary position from September 2021 to August 2022, which will see him ensure Clarion Gaming remains close and responsive to the business needs of its broad stakeholder community. 

“Leading names from across the gaming landscape will be invited to become ICE Ambassadors ensuring that we have a varied mix of individuals, roles and experience who can sense-check our strategy and provide the broadest possible industry feedback,” Stuart Hunter, managing director of Clarion Gaming, explained. 

Thomas is a widely known industry figurehead, who Hunter credited with bringing a new style of casino to Great Britain. 

“He has deftly combined his core gaming with an entertainment and hospitality offer that is unprecedented within the industry,” he said. “All this on one site employing upwards of 600 staff and now a key component of the broader central London tourist experience.

“He has also become the voice of the West End of London, regularly featured on national and international news, speaking for the sector, business growth and government policy.”

Thomas has also chaired the National Casino Forum, served as president of amusements trade body Bacta and sat on the Bingo Association’s policy-making committee. 

Coming from a family with a long history in amusements and gaming, Thomas said he had “quite literally grown up” attending the Amusement Trades Exhibition International event, which evolved into ICE London. 

“I look forward to this new ambassadorial challenge and working with Stuart and the leadership team at Clarion Gaming.”

Thomas previously spoke to ICE365 about the Hippodrome’s experience dealing with novel coronavirus (Covid-19), and how it worked to overhaul the property under lockdown.