ENTAIN'S new CEO

[Murray Fish]

Entain picks Australian Gavin Isaacs as new CEO

By Bren O'Brien - July 23, 2024

Global wagering powerhouse Entain, the parent company of Ladbrokes, Neds and TAB NZ, has appointed Gavin Isaacs as its new global CEO.

Ladbrokes' parent company Entain has a new CEO. (Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)

Issacs, who grew up in Australia and went to the University of Sydney and the University of NSW, has previously worked for Scientific Games Corporation, DraftKings Inc, SB Tech, Bally Technologies Inc, and Aristocrat Technologies in a 25-year career in the gaming and wagering industry.

He is currently based in Las Vegas and replaces Stella David, who has held the interim role since Jette Nygaard-Andersen stepped down as CEO last December.

David will now assume the role of chair of Entain once Barry Gibson retires from that role on September 30.

“On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Gavin to Entain,” Gibson said.

“We are confident that his proven leadership and operational experience mean that Gavin is the right person to take Entain into its next chapter.”

Issacs, who joins on a base salary of £875,000, with substantial bonuses built in, couldn’t wait to get started.

“I am very excited to be joining Entain. The company’s iconic brands, exceptional talent and ongoing execution of its refocused strategy will enable the business to return to a leadership position across all aspects,” he said.

“I am confident that Entain has an extremely bright future, and I look forward to leading the Group in capitalising on the opportunities ahead and creating value for all its stakeholders.”

Gavin Isaacs is Entain's new CEO (Photo: LinkedIn)

David said it was an important moment in the future of Entain.

“I am looking forward to working with Gavin and transitioning into my new role as Chair of this fantastic business,” she said.

“The positive progress we have already achieved means the business has strong building blocks in place for the future. I am confident that with Gavin’s leadership we will realise the ambitious plans that we have for Entain.”

Entain undertook a strategic review of its global businesses after Nygaard-Andersen’s departure, but decided to retain much of its operations, with the exception of Crystalbet in Georgia.