888 brings in Barsby and new product and technology chief

In her new role, Barsby will assume responsibility for 888’s technology integration following the combination with William Hill earlier this year.

888 acquired William Hill’s non-US assets from Caesars for £1.95bn (€2.27bn/$2.39bn) in July 2022. This came soon after US operator Caesars acquired the entire William Hill business for approximately £2.90bn, with the intent to dispose of all but its US assets.

Barsby has overseen a number of digital transformation and integration projects during her career. Her roles included chief technology director at Morrisons supermarket chain and chief information officer at Halfords.

She also spent time at TUI Travel, Aviva and Sainsbury’s, while in more recent years, Barsby founded and serves as managing partner of management consultancy Tessiant.

In addition, she is currently a non-executive director at Cumberland Building Society.

888 William Hill integration

888 chief executive Itai Pazner said Barsby would play a major role in the integration of William Hill into the group.

“We are delighted to welcome Anna to our new executive leadership team, where she will play a pivotal role in driving forward the key area of technology integration as part of our transformational combination with William Hill,” Pazner said.

“Her significant experience and expertise will be invaluable as we seek to unlock the significant potential of our two highly complementary businesses and we very much look forward to working with her.”