William Hill announces CEO departure as 888 takeover nears completion
William Hill has announced that CEO Ulrik Bengtsson will leave the company as its sale to 888 Holdings is due to be completed next week
The executive’s departure will conclude a nearly three-year-long tenure in the top job, and comes amid William Hill’s takeover by 888, to be finalised on or around 30 June.
“With the on-sale to 888 Holdings due to be completed later next week, the time is right for me to say goodbye to William Hill and to hand over to Itai Pazner, CEO of 888 Holdings,” said Bengtsson.
“I look back over the last four years with pride at what we’ve achieved, which has brought us to this point where 888 Holdings see the massive benefit of acquiring William Hill and the opportunities it will open up for both businesses.”
He joined William Hill in 2018 as Chief Digital Officer, before being promoted to CEO in September 2019. But shortly after taking over, Bengtsson was forced to navigate Covid-19, which saw William Hill’s business severely affected.
Bengtsson further oversaw the company’s acquisition by Caesars Entertainment and the subsequent sale of William Hill’s European assets to 888.
“888 Holdings have acquired a brilliant business with two premium brands in William Hill and Mr Green, and I look forward to seeing how the combined business grows over the coming years,” continued Bengtsson.
Pazner, meanwhile, commented: “Ulrik can rightly be very proud of building such a strong team, and we look forward to combining the businesses.
“I am excited about the opportunities for the enlarged business, supported by top-quality management talent from both businesses.”
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