Grupo CIRSA has appointed Antonio Hostench as its new Chief Executive after the group’s board decided to split the duties of CEO and Chairman.
Joaquim Agut had previously served as CEO and Chairman of the Blackstone-owned Spanish markets gambling group since 2018, following US PE fund Blackstone’s buyout of the company.
However, following Hostench’s appointment, Agut will now solely act as Executive Chairman of CIRSA, where he will direct the group’s corporate governance, leadership remuneration, and appointment committees.
Promoted to CEO from his role as President of CIRSA’s Sportium sportsbook brand, Hostench will oversee the firm’s global growth strategy as well as manage its executive leadership team.
Agut has accepted the board’s decision, stating that CIRSA was right to follow the Spanish business’ code on best corporate governance, adding that Hostench’s selection was “a natural decision that responds to the Group’s culture of believing in internal talent and promoting it”.
“Antonio has proven to be a key part in the process of professionalization of the company and its growth thanks to its deep knowledge of the sector acquired through its years of experience in CIRSA,” Agut added.
