Flutter Appoints PokerStars Exec Kevin Harrington as UK&I CEO

International gambling giant Flutter Entertainment has introduced a major addition to its UK & Ireland team, naming the seasoned Kevin Harrington as its new CEO for the region. The appointment is a part of the company’s reorganization of its international division and aligns with its new two-division structure.

Harrington to Succeed Brown in February

Kevin Harrington, who has until now served as chief executive of the PokerStars brand, is set to step into the office in January. In the meantime, incumbent CEO Ian Brown will step down to pursue other opportunities.

Harrington joined the Flutter team in 2018, initially serving as managing director of the Betfair brand. In September 2020, he was named as chief commercial officer of the company’s international business. In August 2023, Flutter designated Harrington as CEO of PokerStars.

Prior to joining the Flutter family, Harrington worked as commercial director for the UK at the competitor operator Betfair. He retained this position after Betfair was officially acquired by Paddy Power.

Harrington Vows to Maintain Flutter’s Standards

Peter Jackson, Flutter Entertainment’s chief executive officer, praised Brown for his incredible contributions to the company and noted that his successes will be a “hard act to follow.” Despite that, Jackson was incredibly optimistic about Harrington’s appointment.

Kevin’s promotion is very well-deserved and the business will be in safe hands as we embark on the next phase of our growth plan.

Peter Jackson, CEO, Flutter Entertainment

Brown himself commented on the matter, expressing confidence in Harrington as his successor. According to the former executive, the UK&I CEO appointee is poised to build on the company’s robust momentum and take it to new heights.

Harrington also spoke on his new appointment, saying that he is proud to take over and run the business he joined over a decade ago. He vowed to work hard to cement Flutter as a market leader in the UK&I region and maintain the high standards the company has set for itself.

In addition, Harrington vowed to uphold Flutter’s responsibility commitments, keeping safer gambling at the forefront of the company’s ethos.

Flutter Switches to Two-Division Model

As mentioned, this announcement comes as Flutter announced a switch to a two-division corporate structure that will focus on an expanded international division and a US-focused business. The two divisions will be led by Dan Taylor and Amy Howe respectively.

The international division will encompass the company’s five non-US regions, namely Asia Pacific, Brazil, Central & Eastern Europe, Southern Europe & Africa and UK&I.