Flutter Ready for Internal Changes Amid Lazzarato’s Departure

Global supplier of sports betting, gaming, and entertainment, Flutter Entertainment, has announced several internal changes ahead of David Lazzarato’s upcoming departure.

Not Seeking Re-Election 

The company that offers sportsbooks, on-course bookmaking, broadcasting, daily fantasy sports, exchanges, business-to-business services, and editorial solutions has confirmed that Lazzarato will step down from the company’s board of directors during the annual general meeting (AGM) that will be held in May.

The Canadian has expressed his desire not to seek re-election on May 1, at the end of a lucrative eight-year period spent with the company. 

Lazzarato initially spent four years with The Stars Group from 2016 to 2010.

At the end of the AGM, he will officially resign from all his duties as corporate non-executive director. 

Non-Executive Director Cruickshank as Replacement 

One of the most important changes announced by the operator refers to Nancy Cruickshank’s appointment as chair of the risk and sustainability committee. 

Cruickshank, who initially joined Flutter as a non-executive director in May 2019, will also take on the role of a member of the audit committee.

The two positions will be filled by Cruickshank as a result of Lazzarato’s decision to leave. She will be leaving behind her current role as a member of the compensation and human resources committee, a role that will be handed over to Nancy Dubuc. 

Dubuc, who is chief executive officer of VICE Media Group and a member of Warner Music Group’s board, will also join Flutter’s risk and sustainability committee. 

At the same time, she will be bidding farewell to the nominating and corporate governance committee that she is currently part of. 

Flutter Chair Praised Lazzarato’s “Exceptional Contribution”

Discussing the announcement regarding Lazzarato’s departure and refusal to seek re-election, Flutter’s chair, John Bryant, took the opportunity to thank him “for his exceptional contribution to the board over the past eight years.” 

Bryant, who joined Flutetr as chair designate in April 2023 and who is also a current or former member of Coca-Cola European Partners, Macy’s, Compass Group Plc, and Ball Corporation, wished Lazzarato “well for the future.”

On March 26, Flutter will present its full-year 2023 results to the public and declare its first results since its secondary listing on the New York Stock Exchange on January 29.

In mid-January, the group announced the competition of a majority acquisition deal with MaxBet.

In February, Flutter’s UK and Ireland division announced it made a £400,000 donation to grassroots sports clubs as part of its Cash4Clubs program.