Betsson and Hills veteran Vlad Kaltenieks named BoyleSports CEO

Betsson and Hills veteran Vlad Kaltenieks named BoyleSports CEO

Irish betting and gaming firm BoyleSports has ended its long-term CEO search, appointing Vlad Kaltenieks as ‘Designated Chief Executive Officer’.

Scheduled to begin his position ‘early next year’, Kaltenieks replaces Mark Kemp, who vacated his leadership role at Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker in February and would later become CEO of DAZN Bet.

Although much of BoyleSports’ focus is on retail and web sports betting, the firm also operates an online casino, poker, slots, bingo and lottery, whilst also maintaining FOBT terminals in its shops.

Confirming his appointment on Linkedin, Kaltenieks said: “I am deeply honoured to be asked to lead BoyleSports early next year. Over the years the company has grown into a successful business, with its own technology and experienced team, and I am very optimistic for our next chapter.”

He joins BoyleSports as the firm continues to expand its retail operations, and also as rumours circulate regarding a potential takeover of the company, first circulated by the Irish Independent in October.

The incoming CEO also shared an RTE article on his appointment, in which BoyleSports Founder John Boyle was quoted as praising Kaltenieks’ experience of leadership roles in competitive gaming environments.

“Vlad will bring to bear exceptional expertise in using digital technologies to drive innovation and in the use of focussed marketing to deliver growth,” Boyle remarked.

“Having worked almost exclusively in highly-regulated environments he also brings with him particular experience in adapting to regulatory changes.”

Over the past 12 months BoyleSports, has moved to strengthen its igaming offering, partnering with Aspire Global to power its entry in the Netherlands, as well as Design Work Gaming for the UK and Leap Gaming for the UK and Ireland.

Additionally, the firm has continued pursuing its own strategy of retail expansion in the UK and Ireland over the past two years, opening a number of venues at regional locations in Great Britain.

Eight new BoyleSports shops have been opened in the UK since April, bringing its total retail holding in the country to 29, with an additional two in the Isle of Man.

Meanwhile, it remains the largest independent bookmaker in its founding market of Ireland, where it operates 350 shops and employs 2,500 people. 

Speaking to SBC News after the opening of a venue in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire the company’s Director of Property and Retail, Lee Otter, explained the BoyleSports’ strategy for choosing new locations. 

“We select locations following extensive assessment of the location, the wider area and the current offering in terms of retail betting shops,” he said.

“Where we identify a gap in the market for a good quality independent bookmaker and there is a healthy betting market, we look to secure the right unit in the right pitch to cater for that demand.”