Key points:
- David confirmed as permanent CEO
- Appointment follows interim leadership since February 2025
- Emphasis on operational strengthening and shareholder value
Entain has named Stella David as its permanent CEO, effective immediately.
David had been serving as interim CEO since February 2025 following her initial appointment to the board in 2021. She succeeded Gavin Isaacs, whose period at the company lasted just five months.
Pierre Bouchut, Interim Chair of Entain, stated that David is a seasoned business leader with a strong record of achievement across a range of industries. He added that her permanent appointment would provide consistency as the group advances its strategy and pursues new growth opportunities.
David said she was honoured to lead the company and emphasised her commitment to accelerating operational improvements. She expressed confidence in Entain’s potential to build on recent progress and deliver further value.
Entain operates a wide portfolio of betting and gaming brands across multiple jurisdictions. It also holds a 50% stake in BetMGM, its US joint venture with MGM Resorts International (which yesterday reported its Q1 results). The group continues to focus on growth in regulated markets while maintaining a strong emphasis on responsible gaming practices.
David will retain her Non-Executive Chair role at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. According to Entain, her remuneration will remain consistent with the arrangements disclosed in its 2024 Annual Report, which include an annual salary of £905,000 ($1.2m) and incentive opportunities in line with shareholder-approved policies.
The Board of Entain, chaired by Bouchut, includes CFO and Deputy CEO Rob Wood along with several independent non-executive directors.
Entain has confirmed that the appointment complies with the applicable listing rules and regulatory disclosure obligations. The company remains focused on strengthening its operational capabilities and delivering sustainable shareholder returns.
Gambling Insider analysis
Bringing someone new in who would have to learn a whole landscape before properly getting to work would waste valuable time for an organisation that truly needs to start moving forward. Plenty of time was already lost with previous CEOs
Entain's share price has risen since the announcement of its new permanent CEO (and its publishing of a Q1 trading update).
A positive reaction, along with the move itself, makes sense. Entain had tried something different when it hired Jette Nygaard-Andersen, predominantly a media industry specialist, as well as Isaacs, a veteran of the B2B gambling space.
With so much fervour for hiring external candidates in today's climate, Entain's move to keep this somewhat in-house appears to be the right one. After not one but two spells as Interim CEO, David now knows the business.
Internally, there is a positive feeling about her leadership and a sense that Entain would have always wanted David at the helm full-time were she interested. Perhaps she needed time to realise she wanted the job and 'come home' for good.
While external hires provide a different perspective, what Entain needs right now is familiarity. There are massive challenges ahead for the tier-one operator and a very complicated business structure.
Bringing someone new in who would have to learn a whole landscape before properly getting to work would waste valuable time for an organisation that truly needs to start moving forward. Plenty of time was already lost with previous CEOs.
Detractors may suggest the operator has simply gone for the Interim CEO due to a lack of options. But David could well be the right person at the right time. It is a safe move, sure, but it looks a smart one.
