Flutter-owned Sisal names Sian Carson as chief people officer

In Carson’s new role she will lead Sisal’s human resources and organisational design division in service of supporting the business’ expansion in Italy and abroad.

“I am very happy about Sian joining the company’s leadership team,” said Sisal CEO Francesco Durante. “I am convinced that with her support we will further strengthen our ability to drive Sisal’s growth in Italy and abroad, investing in the centrality of people and skills that are fundamental for an increasingly sustainable, digital and international company.”

Prior to joining Sisal, Carson spent three years working in HR functions at the Flutter group level. These included talent director at Flutter International.

As chief people officer, group functions at Flutter, Carson worked to define the group’s talent development strategy. She also strengthened the company’s inclusive culture as part of its corporate objectives.

This followed several other HR roles at the business’ owned subsidiaries. These began in 2015 with Australian betting brand Sportsbet, before she moved on to Paddy Power in July 2019. In total Carson has worked eight years with Flutter or its predecessor organisations.

Carson said she was “proud” to take on the new role.

“I am delighted to enthusiastically welcome this new professional challenge in a group that employs more than 3,000 people in five different countries and with an ambition of continuous growth in the near future, strong in its strategy that has always put people at the centre,” she said.

Flutter acquires Sisal to drive Italian expansion

In December 2021, Flutter announced it would be acquiring Sisal from CVC Capital Partners Fund VI  for €1.91bn (£1.67bn/$2.03bn). The merger was finalised in August 2022.

The business said the purchase took place as part of its strategy of building leadership positions in regulated markets globally.

Sisal operates the Italian national lottery and holds leading positions in several gaming verticals nationally. At the time, Flutter highlighted that it had captured approximately 20% of the market, when counting its Betfair and PokerStars brands.