Barry Gibson, chairman of BetMGM co-owner and international gambling operator Entain plc, will step down later this year. Interim CEO Stella David will step up as his replacement, the company said.
Gibson joined the board in November 2019 and assumed the position of chair in February 2020. The company underwent a transformation during his chairmanship, rebranding from GVC Holdings to Entain plc.
Gibson will resign no later than September 2024 and may leave earlier, after the appointment of a permanent CEO.
“It has been a privilege to lead the board of Entain for the past four years and, while I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at this dynamic, exciting, and innovative business, I reflected a little while ago that 2024 would be the right time for me to retire,” commented Gibson. “I am delighted that, in Stella, Entain has an exceptional successor who knows the business well and has already proven herself to be a firm hand on the tiller in her role as interim CEO.”
David was appointed as non-executive director in March 2021 and replaced former CEO Jette Nygaard-Andersen on an interim basis in December 2023.
David said, “Barry has been a wonderful mentor and source of wise counsel to so many people during his time as chair of Entain, and I would like to personally thank him for his unwavering support.
“The fact that we now have a solid platform and a clear plan for future growth is due in no small part to his efforts. I am entirely focused on my role as interim CEO as we work to accelerate our operational strategy and look forward to taking over the baton from Barry in due course.”
Currently, Entain is examining the possible sale of verseas brands after a turbulent 2023 when the company experienced a net loss of $1.19 billion. The brands up for consideration include BetCity in the Netherlands, Enlabs in Sweden, and CrystalBet in Georgia.
