Sun International appoints Ulrik Bengtsson as CEO

Bengtsson takes over from Anthony Leeming, who is retiring after 25 years with the group, the last seven as Sun International’s leader. Leeming’s retirement and replacement was made public today (24 March).

Incoming Sun International CEO Bengtsson announced his departure as chairperson at the affiliate and gambling marketing business Raketech on 20 March. He is due to start at Sun International from 1 July.

Previously, Bengtsson had a four-year stint as the group CEO at William Hill between September 2019 and September 2022. He first joined William Hill as its chief digital officer in 2018.

During his William Hill tenure, Bengtsson oversaw a deal in which Caesars agreed to pay £2.9 billion (€3.35 billion /$4.04 billion) to take ownership of the group’s US business. William Hill’s European assets, valued at €2.3 billion, would later be sold to Evoke’s 888 Holdings.

Sun International is not itself opposed to a potential acquisition, as it confirmed it was previously in talks with a suitor in 2023.

Prior to Bengtsson joining William Hill, he was the CEO of the Sweden-based Betsson Group for five years, ending 2017.

Bengtsson currently holds the chair of the Hostelworld Group and City Gaming, while also providing advisory services to the consultancy firm Valluga Edge.

“Sun International is an iconic leisure group with a proud heritage, and a unique growth opportunity to become a leading omnichannel player in the rapidly evolving global gaming landscape,” Bengtsson said in a released statement.

Sun International CEO Leeming retires

The outgoing Leeming first joined Sun International in 1999 as group finance manager, later assuming the role of CFO in 2013. He has led the company since 2017.

While in leadership roles, Leeming oversaw the company through its entry into the online market and traversal of the pandemic.

Leeming will step down from 1 July, or potentially earlier should Bengtsson receive his work permit. Leeming will remain with the group until the end of the year in an advisory position.

Sun International chairperson Sam Sithole said: “Anthony has left an indelible mark on Sun International, and I would like to thank him for his significant contribution and dedication to the business over the last 26 years, and especially for his exemplary stewardship of the group since 2017.”