Search continues for new Entain boss as top candidate denies interest

The search for a new chief executive officer at Entain continues after a leading candidate withdrew from consideration. Thus, the quest to fill the vacancy left by former CEO Jette Nygaard-Andersen's unexpected resignation just 11 days before Christmas goes on, with no signs of an immediate appointment.

Entain, an FTSE-100 company encompassing brands such as Ladbrokes, Coral, Gala Bingo, Bwin, and BetMGM, has been the subject of industry speculation for the past four months as executives and stakeholders eagerly await news of Nygaard-Andersen's successor.

Stella David, former chief executive of William Grant & Sons, assumed the role on an interim basis, but the pursuit of a permanent CEO remains ongoing.

Richard Flint, widely tipped as a top contender due to his successful tenure as CEO of Sky Betting and Gaming, recently made headlines by stepping down as a non-executive director of Flutter Entertainment, fuelling speculation of his potential candidacy. However, Flint has since clarified that he is not pursuing another executive role.

In an interview with Sky News, Flint stated: "Ignore what other bookmakers might say or the odds they might put out there - I am very much enjoying the package of things I've got on at the moment."

Flint, who currently chairs Butternut Box, a dog food subscription service, and Seat Unique, a premium ticket and hospitality platform, revealed that Seat Unique has secured a partnership with Co-op Live, the UK's largest indoor entertainment arena.

Additionally, Seat Unique has received investment from The Players Fund, the UK's first athlete-led venture capital firm, which boasts backers such as Ben Stokes and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill.

The investment will fuel Seat Unique's initiatives in technology, marketing, and recruitment, according to Flint, who emphasized the significance of athletes' involvement in the venture. "The whole circularity of it makes sense, and we are very excited to be partnering with them," Flint remarked.