Seamus McGill becomes GAN’s permanent CEO
McGill stepped into the hot seat at the online gambling solutions provider last September following the resignation of long-term leader Dermot Smurfit.
Nasdaq-listed GAN said McGill will remain on the business’ board of directors and will be focused on the completion of its $107.6m (£87.7m/€100.8m) buyout by Sega Sammy Holdings.
“Seamus has the full backing of the board of directors and we are confident that his experience and leadership make him the most qualified candidate to be GAN’s next CEO,” said David Goldberg, GAN’s chairman.
“Seamus has been with the company since 2014 and has a deep understanding of GAN’s products, customers and strategy. On behalf of the entire board of directors, I’d like to congratulate Seamus on his appointment and we look forward to his success.”
McGill had been non-executive chairman of GAN since January 2014, prior to which he was president of Joingo. He also had a spell as chief operating officer of Aristocrat Technologies and worked for Cyberview Technology and WMS Gaming.
McGill said: “It’s an honour to be named GAN’s CEO and I’d like to thank David and the board for their vote of confidence.
“Going forward, our focus remains unchanged. We remain committed to a timely closing of our transaction with Sega Sammy to maximise value for all of our stakeholders.”
GAN brand to remain following takeover
Smurfit led California-headquartered GAN as CEO for more than 21 years before his departure was confirmed in late September. The agreement with Sega Sammy was announced little more than a month later, in early November.
In announcing its bid for GAN in November 2023, Japan-based Sega Sammy said it hopes to expand its gaming business and wider gaming portfolio. The business already operates an integrated resort through Paradise City in Japan, while it supplies gaming equipment and content through its Sega Sammy Creation (SSC) arm.
Much of this expansion will focus on the US igaming market, with Sega Sammy saying it has identified “promising” growth opportunities in the country.
GAN shareholders overwhelmingly voted to approve the transaction earlier this week. If the acquisition goes ahead, GAN will merge with SSC’s new special purpose company. GAN will be the surviving corporation after this merger.
The acquisition comes in the wake of a strategic review that GAN launched in Q1 last year. GAN said it was looking at strategic alternatives to improve value for shareholders.