Helmut Becker to exit as CEO of Zeal
Becker has informed the Zeal supervisory board that he will not extend his current contract, after 10 years as CEO. This is due to conclude on 31 January next year, when he will officially depart the business.
Confirming the news yesterday (24 March), Zeal said Becker has decided to “pursue his own entrepreneurial activities”. He exits the business after more than 12 years with the operator.
During his time at the helm, Becker oversaw several key developments at Zeal. These include the acquisition of Lotto24, the return of Zeal to Germany and the expansion of the portfolio to include Freiheit+, Games and Traumhausverlosung.
Prior to taking on the top job at Zeal in September 2015, Becker spent two years as its chief marketing officer. He also had a spell on the company’s supervisory board.
Before joining Zeal, Becker worked as chief commercial officer at recruitment company and job search specialist Xing AG. He also had spells in various management positions at eBay Germany.
Becker: Zeal in an excellent position for growth
Commenting on his upcoming departure, Zeal said exiting the business had been a “difficult” decision. However, he maintains that he will be leaving the company in a strong position.
“Zeal is in an excellent position to continue to grow in the future,” Becker said. “After almost 10 years as CEO, I have decided that now is the right time to pursue my own entrepreneurial endeavours.
“This has been a difficult decision for me. I will especially miss our exceptionally strong team and the unique culture we have built together, characterised by innovation, customer focus and team spirit. I will continue to work hard until the end of my term to achieve the goals we have set together.”
Supervisory board chairman Peter Steiner paid tribute to the outgoing Becker. He said: “Helmut Becker has played a decisive role in taking Zeal’s business development to a new level. Under his leadership, Zeal has established itself as a market leader in the online lottery market, significantly expanded its customer base and crucially broadened its offering through innovative product development.
“On behalf of the supervisory board, I’d like to thank him for his outstanding commitment and strategic vision. We wish him all the best for his personal life and professional career.”
Zeal will immediately initiate a structured process to source Becker’s successor. The group is also due to publish its 2024 financial year results today (25 March).