Entain has appointed Ed Davis, the former governor of Gibraltar, and Franziska van Almsick, ex-German Olympian, to the group’s charitable trust, the Entain Foundation.
Prior to his appointment as governor and commander-in-chief of Gibraltar, a position he held from 2016 to 2020, Davis, who becomes independent chair of the Foundation, boasted a distinguished career in the military, rising to the rank of Lieutenant General.
“I am delighted to have been asked to become the first chair of the Entain Foundation,” Davis said. “This great initiative clearly demonstrates Entain’s commitment to making a positive contribution to wider society by investing in the future of its customers, colleagues and communities. I am excited at the opportunity to help shape this journey.”
Ten-time Olympic medallist and former world and European champion swimmer Van Almsick, recruited in an ambassadorial role in Germany, will promote the Foundation’s work and advise on opportunities to invest in sport.
“This is a great opportunity to play a role in supporting the work of the Entain Foundation,” she commented. “I have been impressed with the passion and commitment of Entain’s team in using their position to invest back in to grass roots sport and the wider community.”
As part of its strategy for sustainability and growth Entain has committed £100m through the Foundation over five years to support a range of good causes focusing on responsible gambling, sports integrity and betting and gaming regulation research, education and treatment; diversity in technology; grassroots, women’s and disability sport; and projects with a clear link to the local community in Entain’s major office locations and markets.
Jette Nygaard-Andersen, Entain CEO, explained: “We are honoured to welcome Ed and Franziska to the Entain Foundation. The appointment of such high calibre individuals is a mark of our ambitions for the Foundation’s future.
“Collectively they bring incredible leadership and organisational skills as well as huge experience in the charitable sector and sporting world.”
Entain launched its global Foundation in November 2019 to support its ESG initiatives and donations around the world. The group is currently formalising the Foundation’s structure as a registered charitable trust.
