Ladbrokes owner Entain PLC (LSE:ENT) has appointed experienced betting industry executive Gavin Isaacs as its new chief executive, to take the helm on 2 September in place of placeholder chief executive Stella David.
Isaacs is a stalwart of the gaming industry, having held roles at lottery business Scientific Games Corporation, DraftKings and Australian gambling machine maker Aristocrat Technologies, among others.
He was inducted into the American Gaming Association's Hall of Fame in 2022.
Isaacs will take over the business at a critical juncture for Entain, as it struggles to recover its hammered share price while contending with numerous private equity takeover bids.
“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,” Isaacs said of his new role.
Chair designate David said she is “looking forward to working with Gavin and transitioning into my new role as chair of this fantastic business”.
"On behalf of the board, I am delighted to welcome Gavin to Entain,” said outgoing chair Barry Gibson. “We are confident that his proven leadership and operational experience mean that Gavin is the right person to take Entain into its next chapter.”
Former Entain boss Jette Nygaard-Andersen stepped down in December 2023. She was one of only a handful of female FTSE 100 bosses, meaning her male replacement could come with a degree of controversy.