ZEAL Network CEO to depart in January 2026
German firm expresses its “regret” at Helmut Becker’s decision, with the boss declining to renew his current contract in favour of new business opportunities
ZEAL Network CEO Helmut Becker will step down from his role on 31 January 2026 after informing the German lottery broker of his intention to resign.
Becker has told the ZEAL Network board that he will not be extending his current contract, meaning he will depart early next year.
The operator said Becker’s reason for choosing to leave was due to his desire to “pursue his own entrepreneurial activities in the future”.
A ZEAL statement read: “The board deeply regrets his decision and thanks him for his outstanding work.
“The board of ZEAL Network will immediately initiate a structured process for the succession of the CEO.”
The 56-year-old has served as ZEAL CEO since September 2015, having joined the company’s management team as chief marketing officer two years prior.
Prior to stepping into frontline operations with the Hamburg-based business, Becker had sat on the ZEAL board since 2011.
Outside of ZEAL, the exec previously spent time with XING, eBay Germany and McKinsey & Company.
Speaking on his decision, Becker said: “ZEAL is in an excellent position to continue to grow in the future. After almost ten years as CEO, I have decided that now is the right time to pursue my own entrepreneurial endeavours.
“This has been a difficult decision for me. I will especially miss our exceptionally strong team and the unique culture we have built together, characterised by innovation, customer focus and team spirit.
“I will continue to work hard until the end of my term to achieve the goals we have set together.”
Peter Steiner, ZEAL chair, said: “The board of ZEAL Network has noted with great regret Helmut Becker’s decision not to seek a contract extension.
“Helmut Becker has played a decisive role in taking ZEAL’s business development to a new level. Under his leadership, ZEAL has established itself as a market leader in the online lottery market, significantly expanded its customer base and crucially broadened its offering through innovative product development.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank him for his outstanding commitment and strategic vision. We wish him all the best for his personal life and professional career.”
Becker and ZEAL co-founder Jens Schumann spoke to EGR earlier this year to mark the operator’s 25th anniversary.
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.