PointsBet Holdings has announced the appointment of Andrew Catterall, currently CEO of its Australia business, as group CEO with effect from 1 February next year.
Catterall has been CEO of PointsBet Australia since July 2022. In this time, PointsBet said, he led the business through a period of “operational transformation”.
Prior to PointsBet, Catterall held various senior roles across the media, sports, entertainment and technology sectors. Most recently before PointsBet, he was CEO of the Racing.com joint venture between Seven West Media and Victorian Thoroughbred Racing Industry.
He also spent time as chief operating officer of Beyond Boundaries Group and chief commercial and strategy officer of Racing Victoria. Other roles included general manager for strategy and marketing at the Australian Football League and as a consultant for both Gemba Group and the Boston Consulting Group,
“We are delighted to appoint Andrew as group CEO,” PointsBet Chairman Brett Paton said. “He has delivered strong performance within our Australian operations and brings extensive industry expertise, strategic capability and leadership qualities that will guide PointsBet into its next phase.
“The board congratulates Andrew on his appointment and looks forward to working closely with him as he leads the group forward.”
Outgoing CEO to remain on PointsBet board
Catterall will succeed Sam Swanell, who has led PointsBet as CEO and managing director since July 2016. Swanell will continue to support the business throughout a transition and handover period
Once this period has concluded, Swannell will move into an advisory role within the group. In addition, he will remain on the company’s board as an executive director.
“On behalf of the board, I’d like to thank Sam for his exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment and deep contribution to PointsBet since founding the company,” Paton said.
“Sam has guided PointsBet through every stage of its development and growth. His continued involvement in an advisory capacity, as well as his ongoing service on the board, will ensure the business continues to benefit from his insight and experience.
All change after MIXI takeover
Catterall’s appointment is the latest change at PointsBet since MIXI Australia became the majority shareholder in the business. MIXI completed its takeover offer for PointsBet in September, securing 66.43% of the overall voting power in the operator.
In October, PointsBet made changes to its board of directors, including the addition of three executives from MIXI. Sho Okuyama, Kanji Kobayashi and Taishi Oba all joined the board as a non-executive directors of the business.
Patton remained as chairman, while Swannell also retained his place as a director. However, Becky Harris, Tony Symons, Kosha Gada, Peter McCluskey and William Grounds all resigned as directors.
However, the takeover was far from a smooth process for MIXI, having faced competition from Betr Entertainment throughout. Betr hoped for a full takeover but had to settle for an increased holding after MIXI came out on top.
Betr now holds 27.72% of the total holding in the business, having previously owned 19.9% prior to its takeover offer. MIXI will have the majority in company matters but Betr will still have its say.
Andrew Catterall will replace the long-serving Sam Swanell as group CEO,