Former Lastman chief of staff named OLG president

TORONTO - The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. has named prominent Tory Rod Phillips as its new president and CEO.

Phillips was chief of staff for former Toronto mayor Mel Lastman, and also worked for former provincial Progressive Conservative leader John Tory.

His most recent position was president and CEO of Shepell-FGI, a company that provides employee assistance programs.

Phillips takes over the OLG post June 10.

The lottery agency has been troubled in recent years as provincial watchdogs issued scathing reports on insider wins and expenses in the millions of dollars.

OLG's troubles culminated in August 2009, when Finance Minister Dwight Duncan cleaned house by firing then-CEO Kelly McDougald and replaced its board of directors.

That same day, he released thousands of pages of what he called "unacceptable" expense claims filed by lottery executives, which included expensive dinners, gym and golf clubs memberships -- even a $1.12 grocery bag.

Phillips said Thursday he is looking forward to working with the OLG board and management.

"My first priority will be to learn as much as I can by listening to our customers, patrons, stakeholders and employees," he said.