Catena Media has confirmed that non-executive director Per Widerström will depart the board after he decided to take up the CEO position of international gaming group 888 Holdings.
Widerström, who spent over four years on the board of the affiliate business, will depart with immediate effect as his new role leading 888’s future strategy begins.
Göran Blomberg, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Catena, said: “Per’s extensive experience and in-depth industry knowledge have greatly benefited the board’s work and the strategic direction of Catena Media. On behalf of all stakeholders, we express gratitude for his contributions and wish him every success in his new role.”
The new 888 chief was first elected to the board of Catena in May 2019 and has played a role in guiding the company into its new strategy of targeting the North American market instead of its European roots.
Widerström will now lead 888, replacing former CEO Itai Pazner who left after regulatory failings in the Middle East. 888’s last financial update revealed net losses of £116m for full year 2022 trading, with reducing the company’s nominal debt of £1.8bn highlighted as a key priority for leadership moving forward.
Taking up his new role, Widerström stated: “I am delighted and honored to become the Group’s new CEO. Following 888’s combination with William Hill, the Group has a world-class portfolio of betting and gaming brands, an outstanding technology platform, and an exceptional team. Together these attributes mean it is exceptionally well-positioned to become a clear global industry leader.
“It is incredibly exciting to be joining at such a key moment in the Group’s long-term development. 888 has a clear and attractive opportunity ahead of it and I am very much looking forward to getting started and working with the rest of the team to build on the strong progress already made and achieve the Group’s full and very exciting potential.”
Meanwhile, Catena Media will continue its current operations with one fewer member of its board, remaining with just six board members until its AGM in 2024.
