Executive Transactions

Nippon Professional Baseball club Rakuten Eagles announced former pitcher KAZUHISA ISHII will become its new GM on Sept. 1. He replaces SENICHI HOSHINO, who died in January. Ishii spent four years in the MLB, pitching for the L.A. Dodgers and N.Y Mets (KYODO, 8/20). ... London-listed gaming provider Playtech confirmed Tuesday that former Sportech CEO IAN PENROSE will join the company's board of directors next month. Penrose was appointed a non-exec director, effective Sept. 1, and will serve as a member of the company's audit, risk & compliance, remuneration and nominations committees (GAMING INTELLIGENCE, 8/21).

COACHES/MANAGERS: Former Silver Fern AMIGENE METCALFE is the new head coach of Premiership Netball side Waikato-BOP Magic. Metcalfe takes over the role from MARGARET FORSYTH, who had been in charge for the past two seasons but chose not to reapply for the position (STUFF, 8/20).