SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Entain Plc has confirmed the appointment of Jette Nygaard-Andersen as its new Group CEO, who will take over from Shay Segev as he officially steps down from CEO duties today.
Having served as a non-executive director of Entain since 2019, Nygaard-Andersen has guided the FTSE100 firm on the recent group transformation and development of its new corporate charter.
Confirming Nygaard-Andersen’s appointment, Entain highlighted the executive’s 20-year track record in leading mass-market ‘operational roles in media, entertainment, sport and digital businesses’. Prior to her new role, she held executive roles at Modern Times Group as well as working for Danish logistics company, Moeller-Maersk.
Celebrating her new role, Nygaard-Andersen said: “I am very excited to have the opportunity of continuing the extraordinary momentum that Entain has in its existing markets, as well as helping it enter new regulated markets and reach new audiences.”
Alongside Nygaard-Andersen’s appointment, the betting group confirmed that Rob Wood – current Group CFO – will take on the duties of Deputy CEO with immediate effect.
In his new remit, Wood will be responsible for the FTSE’s firm group-wide retail operations and M&A strategy.
The new leadership duo of Nygaard-Andersen and Wood will be tasked with recruiting a new Chief Operations Officer, after it was revealed that long-term group technical lead Sandeep Tiku takes a seat on Entain’s board.
Tiku held a four-year tenure as Group CTO before going on to become Group COO in July 2020. Entain believes that his appointment to the board is a reflection of ‘the technology platform to Entain’s continued success’.
“I am delighted that Rob has agreed to take on broader responsibilities and that the importance of our proprietary technology is recognised through Sandeep’s appointment to the Board,” Nygaard-Andersen continued.
“I am deeply wedded to Entain’s commitment to providing industry-leading levels of player protection, and to its philosophy that the most sustainable business in our industry will be the most successful business in our industry. I cannot wait to get started.”
Despite only being one month into 2021, this year has already proven to be turbulent for Entain, having been the subject of a takeover approach from US casino giant MGM Resorts International, which was later dismissed.
This morning’s trading update has, however, proven that the betting group has got off to a strong start for the year.
Barry Gibson, Entain’s Chairman, said: “We are extremely fortunate to have such an outstanding candidate and readymade CEO in Jette. She is already deeply immersed in Entain’s strategy and clearly shares our ambition to be the world leader in sports betting and gaming entertainment.
“Jette and I have been immensely impressed by Rob. He is extremely well regarded internally and externally, and the additional responsibilities will enable him to further develop his operational skills as well as overseeing a key tenet of our growth ambitions through M&A.
“Sandeep has been integral to the development of Entain’s unique proprietary technology platform, which is a source of significant competitive advantage. His appointment not only reflects his contribution to the success of Entain but is also aligned with our aim to have a broader range of experiences and inputs on the Board.”
