Stella David has been named as Entain’s permanent CEO, filling the gap left by Gavin Isaacs after he left the business in February.
David, who is currently in her second spell as the Ladbrokes, Coral and bwin parent’s interim CEO, will become the group’s permanent CEO with immediate effect.
David had originally stepped in on a temporary basis after Jette Nygaard-Andersen left the company in December 2023.
At the time she had been serving as a senior independent director, and was chosen to become Entain chair following Barry Gibson’s retirement in September of last year.
Alongside Gibson’s retirement, Entain named Games Global chair Gavin Isaacs as CEO, with the Australian taking the job on in September.
However, he lasted less than six months in the role before departing.
David first joined the Entain board in September 2021, to add to other board roles at HomeServe UK, Domino’s and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
Speaking to EGR earlier this year, Entain CFO and deputy CEO Rob Wood was effusive in his praise for David.
He said: “Sometimes things just don’t work out. We took the decision together with Gavin, that it’s better to call it early. Obviously, it’s not good, but better to call it early and move on.
“And that’s enabled us to fold back into where we were, having Stella put her hands up and say she’s happy to come in for as long as it takes, and as long as it makes sense.
“It’s been a real positive for the business. Stella is well regarded, both externally and internally, which is a really important point. So yes, a bit of a shock when first announced, but it’s been pretty seamless.”
Media reports in recent weeks had suggested that Entain shareholders were pushing for David to get the job.
Speaking on her new role, David said: “Entain has a clear strategy and we are making great strides in strengthening our operational capabilities.
“Having taken the time to reflect, I am hugely excited to be leading the business going forward as Entain’s CEO as we accelerate our journey of improvement.
“Entain is a great business with significant potential and I am confident in its ability to deliver further success in the future.”
Bouchet added: “The board is delighted to have appointed Stella as CEO. She is an accomplished and commercial business leader with a long track record of success across multiple industries.
“Stella has played a pivotal role in shaping, implementing and executing the ongoing delivery of Entain’s strategy to drive value for our shareholders.
“She is highly regarded by our stakeholders, and her appointment provides consistency and stability as the business pursues its many growth opportunities.”
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Interim boss takes on top job with immediate effect, becoming the third permanent CEO in three years at the company
The post Stella David named as permanent Entain CEO first appeared on EGR Intel.