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Itai Pazner, 888 CEO.

Itai Pazner has been appointed 888’s new chief executive officer, being promoted from his previous role of chief operating officer, taking over from Itai Frieberger who has announced he is standing down from the role.

Following eight years as part of the group’s executive leadership team, and in excess of 14 in the industry, Frieberger is to remain an 888 director during his 12 month notice period.

Pazner, whose “in-depth and widespread understanding of both 888 and the online gaming industry” has been praised, previously spent over six years as SVP of the organisation’s B2C division, overseeing development of its 888 brands as well as oversight of its marketing, customer support functions and operations.

During his tenure in the new role, Pazner is targeting a series of enhancement as well as global growth: “I am honoured to become the new CEO of 888. 888 has a brilliant team and culture across the business, which is led by a talented and vastly experienced operational management team.”

“Itai Frieberger is hugely admired both within 888 and throughout the online gaming industry, and he has been instrumental in the group’s significant development over many years.

“I am very excited at the prospect of building on his work and continuing to deliver the group’s clear growth strategy, by further enhancing our technology and growing 888’s presence across products and global regulated markets.”

Lauded as an integral cog in the 888 management team throughout a transformational period, Frieberger also achieved “significant progress” in the company’s strategy to diversify and grow the business.

Departing the role, Frieberger stressed his decision had not been an easy one, and that prior success was made possible due to a“team of skilled and committed colleagues: “I am very proud of what we have achieved during my time at 888. The global online gaming industry has changed beyond recognition during this period but, despite this, the group has continued to achieve its strategic objectives and deliver for its stakeholders. This is down to the strength of our team and our outstanding technology.

“I believe that 888 today is one of the most diversified operators across products and regulated markets in the global online gaming industry.

“Itai Pazner is a fantastic operator with a tremendous passion for innovation, product development and the customer experience; I know we share the same approach, values and vision for the business.

“In my new role, I will remain on the board to support Itai by leveraging my relationships, and supporting the progress of a number of exciting strategic initiatives that are already underway.

“I have no doubts that Itai Pazner is the right person to lead 888 through the next exciting chapters of the group’s growth.”