Zeal names Stefan Tweraser as new CEO
Online lottery provider Zeal Network has announced the appointment of Stefan Tweraser as its new chief executive with effect from 15 September.
Tweraser will replace Helmut Becker, who confirmed in March that he would depart Zeal in January 2026. Becker, who has served as the operator’s CEO for almost 10 years, will step aside as CEO on 14 September but remain available as a consultant until early next year.
For Tweraser, this will represent his first position within the gambling industry. However, as an experienced executive, he has served in senior roles with companies across several other industries.
Most recently, Tweraser was CEO of German NewSpace start-up Rocket Factory Augsburg. He was also chief marketing officer of music streaming service Deezer and CEO of hospitality data business SnapShot. In addition, he spent time at Google Germany as country director in the DACH region.
“I feel very honoured by the trust the supervisory board has placed in me and my abilities,” Tweraser said. “Together with colleagues on the management board and the entire team, I am fully committed to driving this well-positioned and future-oriented company forward.”
Carola von Schmettow, chairwoman of the Zeal supervisory board, welcomed the addition of Tweraser. She said Zeal has gained a “highly qualified business leader” as its new CEO.
“He has proven his profound expertise in digital business models in various industries,” she said. “Throughout his career, he has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to guide market-leading companies into their next phase of development with strategic foresight, innovative ideas and a sharp eye for detail.”
End of an era for Zeal and Becker
Becker also welcomed the appointment of his successor. He said he will work with Tweraser and the wider Zeal team to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities.
“Zeal has always been more than just a job for me,” Becker said. “Working alongside my outstanding team has been a great personal enrichment. The company’s great success is the logical consequence of our unique team spirit, innovative mindset and customer focus.
“Together with the leadership team, I will ensure a smooth handover to my successor. I am firmly convinced that under the leadership of Stefan, Zeal will continue on its successful path.”
Von Schmettow added: “Helmut has continuously expanded Zeal’s market leadership in the German online lottery market, strengthened the business model in a challenging regulatory market and broadened the portfolio in a targeted manner through innovative product developments such as the dream house raffle.
“The supervisory board wishes him all the best for the future.”
What next for Becker?
Becker’s comments come after he spoke to iGB in June about his ambitions after he exits Zeal.
The outgoing CEO said he plans to venture outside the gaming sector. His aim is to work on a portfolio of businesses, projects or investments that span various sectors that are “broader” than gaming.
“I want to invest my time into a portfolio of entrepreneurial things, rather than one C-level job,” Becker said.