Gavin Isaacs has stepped down as CEO of Entain with immediate effect, departing after just over five months in the role. While the company did not disclose specific reasons for the abrupt exit, it stated that the decision was reached by mutual agreement.
In the interim, Stella David, currently serving as Entain’s non-executive chair, will reassume the CEO position until a permanent successor is appointed. David previously held the role on an interim basis from December 2023 to September 2024. Meanwhile, Pierre Bouchut, a senior independent director, will take over David’s position as non-executive chair during the transition.
Isaacs had been appointed as CEO on September 2, 2024, following an extensive search to replace Jette Nygaard-Andersen, who resigned in December 2023. A seasoned executive with 25 years of experience in the gaming industry, Isaacs was expected to bring stability and strategic direction to the company.
Despite the sudden leadership change, Entain assured investors that it remains on track to meet its financial targets. David expressed confidence in the company’s progress, noting that it had been making significant strides in executing its strategic priorities. She acknowledged Isaacs’ contributions and stated that the board was satisfied with the group’s performance in 2024 and its trading outlook.
She also reiterated that full-year 2024 group EBITDA was expected to reach the upper end of the $1.29 billion to $1.35 billion guidance range. Additionally, she affirmed Entain’s commitment to operational excellence and shareholder value, indicating that the company remained aligned with market expectations for FY2025.
Entain is set to release its full-year results for 2024, along with an update on current trading, on March 6.
During his brief tenure, Isaacs had supported David’s strategic vision, emphasizing organic growth, margin expansion, and strengthening Entain’s foothold in the US market. His approach focused on refining the company’s core platform to enhance efficiency and empower local teams rather than implementing sweeping changes. He had previously remarked that, based on his experience, achieving product excellence was key to long-term success.
With Isaacs’ departure, the search for a permanent CEO is expected to draw close scrutiny as the company aims to secure long-term leadership stability. Meanwhile, Entain’s shares fell nearly 10% at market open following the announcement.