Key points:
- John Gleasure appointed as Non-executive Director and Chairman Elect at Playtech
- He will succeed Brian Mattingley following the company’s May 2025 annual general meeting
- Gleasure brings three decades of leadership across sports media, technology and betting sectors
Playtech has confirmed the appointment of John Gleasure as an independent Non-executive Director and Chairman Elect. Gleasure is expected to formally assume the role of Chairman following the company’s annual general meeting in May 2025, at which point current Chair Brian Mattingley will step down.
The appointment adds further board-level experience at a time when Playtech continues its transformation toward a primarily B2B-focused business model.
Gleasure brings more than 30 years of experience across digital sports media and gaming, having previously co-founded Perform Group and held executive positions at Sky Sports, Hutchison 3G and Sony Pictures.
He currently serves as a Non-executive Director at DAZN Group and The Sporting News and previously held the Executive Chairman position at the latter.
His background includes direct involvement with data-led broadcasting, rights management and content delivery – areas increasingly relevant to Playtech’s strategic direction.
Mattingley commented: “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.”
Gleasure said: “Playtech is a unique and highly innovative business, underpinned by technology and relationships with the world's leading gambling operators. I'm excited about the opportunities ahead.”
Good to know: In February, Playtech extended its poker presence in France via a new agreement with PMU
The deal saw PMU join the iPoker.EU network, gaining access to Playtech’s gamification tools and tournament content. The move followed a similar partnership with FDJ in 2023.
As part of the new appointment, Gleasure will receive a base annual fee of £140,000 ($185,720), with a revised package expected upon formally assuming the Chairmanship. A further announcement is anticipated following the AGM.
