Entain has ended its search for a new Chief Executive Officer with the announcement that Gavin Isaacs has been appointed to the role, effective from 2 September.
Currently a Non-Executive Director at the igaming content supplier Games Global having previously served as Chair for two years, Isaacs brings over 25 years of experience to the FTSE 100 company across global sports betting, igaming, gaming and lottery industries.
Isaacs was previously Chair of SB Tech before the firm was sold to DraftKings in 2020. He has also held several board or C-suite roles for Scientific Games, DraftKings, SHFL Entertainment, Bally Technologies and Aristocrat Technologies.
Beginning his career in Australia as a solicitor with large corporate law firms, Isaacs was also inducted into the American Gaming Association’s Hall of Fame in 2022.
Commenting on his new role, Isaacs said: “I am very excited to be joining Entain. The company’s iconic brands, exceptional talent and ongoing execution of its refocused strategy will enable the business to return to a leadership position across all aspects.
“I am confident that Entain has an extremely bright future, and I look forward to leading the group in capitalising on the opportunities ahead and creating value for all its stakeholders.”
Isaac’s appointment concludes a seven-month search for a CEO by Entain, as the company had been looking for a permanent Chief Executive since the departure of Jette Nygaard-Andersen from the position in December last year.
Former Senior Independent Non-Executive Director Stella David has been the company’s interim CEO since then, but she will now be replaced by Isaacs.
However, David will not be leaving the company, as she will now be stepping into the role of Chair of Entain, replacing current Chair Barry Gibson, who announced his retirement last April.
“I am looking forward to working with Gavin and transitioning into my new role as Chair of this fantastic business,” noted David.
“The positive progress we have already achieved means the business has strong building blocks in place for the future. I am confident that with Gavin’s leadership, we will realise the ambitious plans that we have for Entain.”
To provide a smooth transition, Entain has stated that David will work alongside Isaacs before succeeding Gibson as Chair following his retirement on 30 September 2024.
Gibson added: “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Gavin to Entain. We are confident that his proven leadership and operational experience mean that Gavin is the right person to take Entain into its next chapter.
“I would also like to thank Stella David and Entain colleagues for the significant operational improvements and progress made so far towards our strategic priorities.”
Regarding Games Global, the company has announced that Isaacs will step down from his position as Chair with immediate effect, a position he has held since October 2022. He will remain on the company’s board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to lead the Board of Games Global for almost two years and I look forward to continuing to be part of the company’s exciting journey,” stated Isaacs.
“Games Global is a unique business and, whilst I am disappointed to be standing down as Chairman, taking up a full-time executive role as CEO of Entain plc is an incredible opportunity for me personally.”
Games Global has also announced that Walter Bugno, the company’s CEO and a member of the board, will act as interim Chair until a new permanent Chair is appointed.
Bugno added: “I would like to congratulate Gavin on his appointment as CEO of Entain plc. He has been a tireless advocate for Games Global and as Chairman has played a key leadership role in building our business.
“We very much look forward to continuing to benefit from his insight and expertise as a member of our board.”