Jette Nygaard-Andersen, currently an independent non-executive director of Entain plc has been appointed as the firm’s new CEO with immediate effect. Outgoing CEO Shay Segev steps down as a director today and will remain available until July 8, to facilitate an orderly transition.
In addition, Entain CFO Rob Wood becomes Deputy CEO with immediate effect, while COO Sandeep Tiku will be appointed to the Board later in the year.
In a statement, Entain said that Nygaard-Andersen, who joined the Entain Board as an independent non-executive director in 2019, has been instrumental in the development of the firm’s growth and sustainability strategy.
She has more than 20 years’ experience in leadership and operational roles in media, entertainment, sport and digital businesses and an extensive track record of working with fast-growing digital next generation online and mobile entertainment companies offering video gaming, esports, and social media video content.
“As such she brings significant experience to the CEO role that reflects the evolution of Entain into an entertainment focused company,” the company stated.
Rob Wood was appointed CFO in March 2019 following six years as CFO of the group’s UK Retail division. According to the firm, he has played a critical role in driving the financial performance of the group and delivering its new strategy announced in November. To continue his development, he will now take responsibility for all retail operations and M&A activities under the role of CFO and Deputy CEO.
Sandeep Tiku joined Entain (then bwin.party) in June 2014. After four years as Chief Technology Officer he became COO in July 2020 and has been instrumental in developing its proprietary technology platform.
He also drove the integrations of the bwin.party, Ladbrokes and Coral businesses into the group. “His appointment to the Board, which will take effect later in the year, reflects the importance of the technology platform to Entain’s continued success,” the company noted.
Chairman Barry Gibson 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.”
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. I am delighted that Rob has agreed to take on broader responsibilities and that the importance of our proprietary technology is recognized through Sandeep’s appointment to the Board.
“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.”
