Future Anthem hires Bird as first CFO

Future Anthem said that the appointment symbolises the company’s development plans as it seeks to expand its business across Europe and North America, building on existing work in the sector with companies including Bally’s, Betfred, Big Time Gaming, Blueprint Gaming and Paddy Power Betfair.

Laura Bird background

Bird brings substantial experience to the company, having worked in finance for 15 years, including a lengthy spell at Ladbrokes where, as digital financial controller, she led the integration of the Ladbrokes and Coral digital businesses and the transition of processes from London to Gibraltar. 

She began her career at BDO LLP and has since worked for Ocado, NBC Universal and Gaming Realms, among other roles.

Future Anthem investment strategies

At Future Anthem, she will spearhead the company’s financial planning and decide on investment strategies alongside chief executive Leigh Nissim and the board.

Bird said: “I am delighted to have become part of the Future Anthem family.

“Having spent many years working within the industry it’s abundantly clear to me that this is a hugely exciting company with ambitions to match my own. I could not be happier to be able to play a part in this ongoing journey.”

Nissim added: “Future Anthem has a very clear growth plan that we are delivering on and which is allowing us to attract the best talent from the industry and beyond.

“Laura has a highly tuned commercial approach that will unlock value and potential across the business and for our partners, helping drive us forward as we continue our expansion into 2023. Appointing her as our chief financial officer is a real statement of intent.”

Future Anthem has grown its workforce by 30% in the last 12 months, including the appointment of Emma Ferguson as head of people, Matt Nichols as general manager of the Americas and Ian Tibot as chief product officer.