Argentina’s government has appointed a former CEO of a gambling firm as its new secretary for children, adolescents and family.

Juan Bautista Ordoñez will replace Yanina Nano Lembo, who will assume a new role within the ministerial structure of the Human Capital Ministry, the Casa Rosada said in a statement.

The decision was criticised the opposition. Peronist national deputy Eduardo Tonioll described the appointment of Ordoñez, former a CEO of gambling firm Codere, as “a message to the Chamber of Deputies,” given that it comes just days before talks over the potential restriction of online gambling advertising begins in Congress.

Toniolli expressed concerns about the influence the new official could exert, given his previous connections to the gambling sector. He described the appointment as “a signal” to congressional commissions that are due to discuss online gambling regulation bills on Wednesday.

Nano Lembo’s position came under speculation after local media reported her department had authorised the purchase of a coffee machine for around two million pesos – the Times understands that her number two, Constanza Cassinola, has in fact resigned from her post in relation to the scandal.

Ordoñez, the new man in charge, has an extensive background in corporate management and communications. He was director of communications at the Roggio Group for 17 years (1992-2009), and also served as director of corporate affairs at state energy giant YPF S.A. (2010-2012). H

He also served as vice-president of corporate communications at Herbalife for South America (2012-2015), and as executive director of mining giants Barrick Gold in Argentina (2015-2017).

One of his most prominent positions in recent years was the four years he spent as manager for Argentina for gambling firm Codere, which has previously sponsored local football giants River Plate, among other clubs.

According to his career bio, Ordoñez is an expert in long-term strategy and government relations. His professional focus, as he defines it, is to help organisations address challenges “more effectively and profitably.”

– TIMES/NA