Brian Mattingley is to become the non-executive chairman of Playtech, succeeding Claire Milne in the role who has served on an interim basis since May 2020.

Mattingley will be stepping down as chairman of 888 Holdings and his appointment as chairman of Playtech, and to the board, will take effect on June 1, 2021.

Becoming the long-term successor to Alan Jackson, who announced his decision to step down in June 2019, the move ends a 16 year stay for Mattingley at 888.

Milne commented: “In selecting the new chair, we wanted to appoint an individual with significant online gambling experience and a track record of delivering high levels of corporate governance and stakeholder engagement in a highly regulated and fast growing industry. 

“Over the course of the last 30 years Brian has delivered strongly in these areas and has been at the forefront of the development of our industry. 

“We are delighted that someone of Brian’s calibre is joining the board and look forward to benefiting from his experience to support our continued progress and growth.” 

Mattingley joined 888 Holdings in 2005 as a non-executive director, before being appointed CEO in March 2012, and has been non-executive chairman since March 2016.

Before this, he was CEO of Gala Regional Developments, and held senior roles with Gala Group, Ritz Bingo, Kingfisher and Dee Corporation. 

Mattingley stated: “I’m very pleased to be joining Playtech, at such an exciting time in the Company’s development. Playtech is ideally placed to continue to build on its market leadership position and I look forward to working with everyone at Playtech to drive forward its strategy and capitalise on the opportunities ahead.” 

John Jackson, senior independent director of Playtech, added: “On behalf of the board of Playtech I would like to express our thanks to Claire for serving as interim chairman. Claire has provided continuity and stability during the pandemic, helping to enable Playtech to deliver a strong performance in 2020.