Entain Appoints Gavin Isaacs as New Chief Executive Officer

Entain plc, one of the largest sports betting and gaming groups in the world built on proprietary technology, has announced the appointment of Gavin Isaacs as its new chief executive officer. 

Isaacs, who is currently taking on a non-executive director position at Games Global Limited, will bring his two and a half decades of experience in the international sports betting, gaming, iGaming, and lottery industries to the Entain table.  

“The Right Person to Take Entain Into Its Next Chapter”

Entain chair Barry Gibson used his voice to express the group’s delight to welcome Isaacs to the team while expressing confidence in “his proven leadership and operational experience” that make “the right person” to carry them into their “next chapter”. 

Gibson also took the opportunity to “thank Stella David and Entain colleagues for the significant operational improvements and progress” towards their strategic priorities.

Isaacs, who was inducted into the American Gaming Association’s Hall of Fame two years ago, will step into his new role starting September 2.

His impressive expertise in building and leading a rich selection of both private and public businesses covers anything from innovation-packing start-ups to reputable multi-billion-dollar global companies. 

Previously, Isaacs was chair of SB Tech before it was acquired by DraftKings Inc in 2020. He also held several Board or C-suite roles for Bally Technologies Inc, Scientific Games Corporation, Aristocrat Technologies, DraftKings Inc, and SHFL Entertainment. 

Holding impressive degrees including a Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting and Financial Systems, Bachelor of Laws from the University of New South Wales, Australia, and Master of Laws from the University of Sydney, Australia, Isaacs kickstarted his career as a solicitor with important corporate law firms in his native country of Australia.

Isaacs to Work Next to Stella David 

Aligned with Entain’s succession plan announced previously, and also to show more support for Isaacs’ transition and make it as smooth as possible, interim CEO and chair designate Stella David will work alongside the newly appointed CEO before succeeding Barry Gibson as chair.  Gibson will officially retire on September 30. 

Commenting on Isaacs’ appointment, David, who has been celebrated for her positive impact on the industry when she was included on iGaming Express’ list of “100 Most Influential People in Gaming”, said she was “looking forward to working with Gavin” and “transitioning” into her new position as “chair of this fantastic business.”

She also took the opportunity to say she was “confident” in Gavin’s leadership abilities that are expected to help the group achieve its “ambitious plans”.

Isaacs: “Entain Has an Extremely Bright Future”

While expressing his excitement for joining Entain, Isaacs also praised its “iconic brands, exceptional talent and ongoing execution of its refocused strategy”, which he believes will allow it to make a comeback to the “leadership position across all aspects.”

The new CEO added he was confident that the group “has an extremely bright future” while looking forward to leading it “in capitalizing on the opportunities ahead and creating value” for stakeholders.

Before the announced date of appointment, Isaacs will be stepping down as Galaxy Gaming Inc’s director.

His remuneration will aligned with Entain’s Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders in 2023 and it will include a basic annual salary of £875,000 ($1.13 million), a pension allowance of 6% of his salary, the Standard Entain executive benefits package, which will feature an initial period of relocation assistance during his move from the US, as well as a   maximum annual bonus of 250% of salary, among others. 

He will also be required to build a shareholding in the group to the value of 450% of his salary while receiving a buy-out award to compensate for awards forfeited on leaving another role to join Entain. 
At the start of the month, Entain named Helen Ashton as an independent non-executive director.