Entain has decided who will serve as the company’s next CEO.
The global gaming giant appointed former Games Global chairman Gavin Isaacs as CEO on Monday following the resignation of Jette Nygard-Andersen last December. Isaacs will assume the role on Sept. 2 and will be replacing interim CEO Stella David, who will then take the role of chairman amid the previously announced retirement of Barry Gibson.
“I am looking forward to working with Gavin and transitioning into my new role as chair of this fantastic business,” said 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 realize the ambitious plans that we have for Entain.”
Isaacs brings more than 25 years of experience in the gaming industry to Entain.
The Australia native spent more than six years as president of Aristocrat before taking over as COO of Bally Technologies. Isaacs had a stint as president and CEO of Scientific Games while with the company for over four years. He has also been a board member at DraftKings and is currently an advisor to the board for Jackpocket and PureSoftware.
His work saw him inducted into the American Gaming Association’s Hall of Fame.
Entain undergoes review
Isaacs is leading Entain following a strategic review by the board’s Capital Allocation Committee to maximize shareholder value following underwhelming results in 2023.
The review found that Entain has an adequate portfolio of diversified strategic assets, technology, and reach for long-term growth but the company needs to prioritize its North American business, BetMGM. The joint venture between Entain and MGM Resorts helped Entain generate $2 billion in net revenue last year but is fighting for U.S. market share.
The committee’s review believes Entain should focus on BetMGM’s organic growth.