Playtech lines up John Gleasure as new chairman
Gleasure will initially join the board as a non-executive director, Playtech confirmed today (16 April). He is expected to assume the chairman role after its annual general meeting (AGM) next month.
The news comes after Mattingley in January announced he would step down as chairman. He was appointed chairman executive in April 2021 shortly after exiting his role as CEO of 888.
Gleasure will bring 30 years of experience across the sports, media and technology sectors. He is currently executive chairman of The Sporting News and a non-executive director at DAZN Group.
Prior to this, he helped found and launch digital sports media business Perform Group. The company provides live sports data and content to online betting operators around the world.
Earlier in his career, he also spent time in sports-related leadership roles at Sky Sports and mobile provider Hutchison 3G. In addition, he has worked in senior positions with EMI Music, EMI Records and Sony Pictures.
As a non-executive director at Playtech, Gleasure will receive an annual fee of £140,000 (€163,288/$185,844). This will be increased at the point he becomes chairman.
Gleasure eyes new opportunities at Playtech
Commenting on his pending appointment, Gleasure said he is pleased to be joining Playtech at a “pivotal” moment in its history.
Playtech is close to completing the sale of its Snaitech business to Flutter Entertainment for €2.30 billion. This will shift its focus almost entirely to operating as a B2B provider. The deal is set to complete before the end of April.
“Playtech is a unique and highly innovative business, underpinned by market-leading technology and relationships with the world’s leading gambling operators,” Gleasure said.
“I’m excited about the opportunities ahead. I look forward to working with everyone at Playtech to drive forward its strategy and create further value for our shareholders.”
Outgoing Mattingley also welcomed the proposed appointment. He said Gleasure will be an “asset” to Playtech.
“John’s significant experience and knowledge will be a tremendous asset for Playtech as it continues its transformation into a predominantly pure-play B2B business,” Mattingley said. “I look forward to giving him every support during this period of transition.”