Entain has announced the appointment of Gavin Isaacs as its new CEO, effective 2 September 2024. Isaacs brings a wealth of experience in the sports betting, gaming, and lottery sectors. His impressive resume includes pivotal roles at prominent companies such as Scientific Games Corporation and DraftKings.
Before stepping into the role, Isaacs will collaborate with Stella David, who is set to become the new Chair of Entain. The current Chair, Barry Gibson, expressed confidence in Isaacs’ leadership and operational expertise, highlighting his robust credentials and ability to drive the company’s strategic vision forward.
Isaacs’ stellar career in the casino-games industry
Industry veteran Isaacs boasts an illustrious career, having held influential roles at SB Tech, SHFL Entertainment, and Bally Technologies. His extensive expertise has made significant impacts across these prominent gaming enterprises.
Current role at Games Global
Currently, Isaacs serves as a Non-Executive Director at Games Global, an esteemed iGaming content supplier. His strategic insights are invaluable to the company’s ongoing success and innovation.
Entain’s strategic review and future plans
Entain recently conducted a strategic review emphasizing long-term growth. The review proposes asset sales, including Crystalbet in Georgia, to focus on core objectives. The company is set on driving organic revenue growth and expanding margins in the U.S. market through its partnership with BetMGM.
Entain, a global leader in sports betting and gaming entertainment, has reported a mixed operational performance across various regions. While Brazil showcased double-digit revenue growth, vibrant progress was seen in Central and Eastern Europe. However, results were not uniform as the UK and Ireland faced revenue declines.
Regional financial performance
The company’s revenue trajectory varied significantly across its operational regions:
| Region | Revenue Growth |
|---|---|
| Brazil | +10% |
| Central and Eastern Europe | +7% |
| UK | -5% |
| Ireland | -3% |
Challenges ahead
Entain’s financial landscape is further complicated by a looming litigation claim associated with its former operations in Turkey. This follows a historical penalty imposed for bribery offenses. The company remains vigilant as it navigates these legal and regional challenges.
In the ever-evolving world of casino games, top executives play a pivotal role in steering companies toward success. One such instance is Isaacs’ remuneration package, which has been strategically designed to align with both the company’s and shareholders’ interests.
Isaacs’ annual salary
Isaacs earns an impressive annual salary of £875,000, reflecting the high stakes and competitive nature of the casino gaming industry.
Bonus and long-term incentive plans
Beyond the base salary, Isaacs participates in lucrative bonuses and long-term incentive plans, ensuring his objectives are deeply intertwined with the company’s strategic goals.
Shareholder-approved policies
This comprehensive remuneration package adheres to policies approved by shareholders, further aligning Isaacs’ interests with those of the company’s investors.
Strategic alignment
The primary aim of this remuneration structure is to foster a strong alignment between Isaacs’ performance, the company’s strategic objectives, and shareholder interests, creating a win-win scenario for all stakeholders.
