SAZKA Entertainment AG has appointed Lord Sebastian Coe, CH, KBE, to its board, with the four-time Olympic medal winner becoming the group’s first Independent Non-Executive Director.

Coe, who is currently President of World Athletics, took up the role on 14 September 2021. He is famous in the world of sports for his Olympic gold medals in the 1,500m at Moscow 1980, and at Los Angeles 1984. He also won silver medals in the 800m at both competitions.

“Lord Coe has been a colossal figure on the world stage of sport, politics and business through his long and distinguished career,” said Karel Komárek, Chairman of SAZKA Entertainment’s board.

“We’re honoured to have him join our team as its first Independent Non-Executive Director. He brings tremendous additional strength to our international perspective as we strive to maximise the raising of funds for good causes in all of the markets we serve.”

Having retired from competitive sport in 1990, Coe became a Conservative MP, and in 2004 became Chairman of London’s bid to host the 2012 Games. He later chaired the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee, and has served as President of World Athletics since 2015.

Coe commented: “Over the years I’ve seen the tremendous benefit lottery funds have brought to grassroots and elite sport across the globe. I’m looking forward to joining a team with a proven track record of supporting sport at all levels in the countries where it operates. 

“My role will be to ensure that we develop our support of sport further and ensure that SAZKA Entertainment is a powerful driving force behind grassroots and elite sport funding across Europe and beyond.”