Kambi nets Werner Becher as CEO to lead new Tech vision

The board of Kambi Group Plc has confirmed the appointment of Werner Becher as the new CEO of the Stockholm-listed sports betting technology group.

Announced this morning, Becher will take charge of Kambi’s leadership from late July, succeeding incumbent Kristian Nylén, who ends his 14-year tenure as Chief Executive.

As confirmed by the board: “Becher will officially assume the position on 25 July, the day after the publication of Kambi’s Q2 2024 report.”

Recognised amongst sports betting’s leading executives, Werner most recently served as CEO of Sportradar’s EMEA and Latin America business, forming part of the executive team that in 2021 executed Sportradar’s +$7bn IPO on the Global Nasdaq.

Kambi declared that Becher topped all criteria of a thorough executive search and selection process undertaken in H1 to succeed Nylén as CEO.

Of significance, Kambi underlined Becher’s proven qualities and experience across all disciplines of sports betting and iGaming, having served as CEO of leading DACH markets operator Interwetten Sports from 2011 to 2018.

Becher joins Kambi as the technology group embarks on a “modularisation strategy which has seen it open up its platform, incubate its AI-pricing division, Tzeract, and acquire highly complementary businesses in Abios and Shape Games.”

Kambi’s leadership and commercial reorganisation have been led by returning Chairman, Anders Ström, who welcomed Becher as the new CEO: “We are delighted to welcome Werner Becher as the new CEO of Kambi. Werner is an exceptionally suitable successor to Kristian Nylén.

“With extensive industry experience, a strong entrepreneurial spirit, proven business acumen, and exceptional drive, we are confident Werner is the right choice to lead Kambi into a new era.”

Taking on CEO duties, Becher stated confidence in achieving Kambi’s ambitious  technology objectives, whilst maintaining the firm’s status as leading sports betting solution supplier for over 40 tier-1 clients including   Kindred Group, LeoVegas, Rush Street Interactive and Bally’s Interactive.

2023 developments saw Kambi reorganise its investment structures, repaying an €8m convertible bond held by former shareholder Kindred Group, a deal which granted Kambi the independence to take control of its future strategic direction.

“I join Kambi at an exciting time in its evolution, as it continues to open up its service and widen its addressable market. I am excited to work closely with the Board, our executive team, and our talented employees across the world to deliver on the fantastic opportunities ahead of us,” Becher added.

“I am honoured to take on the position of CEO at Kambi Group, a company that has been at the forefront of this industry for many years and one which I have the utmost respect and admiration for.”