Tabibian steps down as head of B2C at 888

Tabibian moved into the position in August 2021, having held various other roles during a nine-year stay with 888.

Prior to this, Tabibian was vice-president for growth marketing and also spent time as online acquisition marketing director.

Tabibian also had spells as poker marketing director and head of poker affiliate and regional marketing at 888.

Before joining the group, he worked as a social and mobile games producer at Win and head of Oracle at Taldor. This came following two and a half years as product team leader for 888.com during his first spell with the group.

Earlier in his career, he also spent time with Bezeq Online, ELTA and Teva Pharmaceuticals. 

“After an incredible nine-year journey filled with growth, achievements, learning and unforgettable memories, the time has come for me to leave,” Tabibian said in a LinkedIn post.

“It has been my second ride in the world of 888, during which I had the privilege to lead 888poker marketing, the super talented 888 growth department and the unforgettable 888 B2C division.

“I want to thank the entire 888 family for the laughter, collaboration and shared moments of triumph. It has been an honour to work alongside talented and dedicated individuals and I feel incredibly lucky to share this journey with all of you.

“As I embark on a new adventure, I am filled with gratitude for the memories created and the lifelong connections made.”

Changing of the guard

Tabibian’s departure comes after it was announced in January that Itai Pazner was to leave his role as chief executive. 

This came in the wake of the group revealing failings in AML and KYC processes for customers in the Middle East. Non-executive chairman Lord Mendelsohn remains as interim executive chair while the search for a permanent replacement continues.

Last July, 888 completed its acquisition of William Hill’s non-US assets from Caesars in a deal worth £1.95bn. Despite taking on £1.70bn in debt as a result of the purchase, 888 was able to perform in line with expectations in the 2022 financial year. 

Last month FS Group, an investment vehicle backed by Kenny Alexander, took a 6.57% stake in 888. 

FS Group took a 4.55% holding in the group. The remaining 2.02% holding was transferred by Shay Segev, who was Alexander’s successor before GVC’s name change to Entain.

Other individuals that also hold memberships interests in FS Group include Lee Feldman, the former chairman of GVC, Stephen Morana, Daniel Shribman and B Riley Principal.

Recently, it was also revealed that 888 had reached an agreement to sell its Latvian business to Paf Consulting in a deal worth up to €28.3m.