Ladbrokes Some shareholders were unhappy with Bell's recent record and had made their reservations plain to Peter Erskine, the Ladbrokes chairman. Someone just starting out in life as a chief executive, still with it all to prove, would have been forced to dig their heels in and fight but, after nine years, Bell's decision to quit is probably the right one. Few people carry on successfully for longer than that as the head of a large company and enough was obviously enough from both sides. It hasn't been an easy year for Ladbrokes with an unwelcome rights issue and disappointing trading so, rather than risk a long, drawn-out battle with shareholders, Bell's decision to leave now is good for him and for the company - both emerge relatively unscathed.   Related Articles Ladbrokes profits hit by flurry of goals, seeks £275m Mon Mome's victory boosts bookmakers' profits Ladbrokes chief Chris Bell in shock departure The FTSE's legs may have given up at 11 but there are reasons for optimism Chris Gayle causes storm as fans snub Durham Test Bookies tell ministers to go easy in Budget 2009 Erskine must now make a big choice.[Read more...]