Entain CEO: We can “change the direction” of the industry
Jette Nygaard-Andersen says shift to embrace new technology and product key to leading industry into a new age
Entain CEO Jette Nygaard-Andersen has said the London-listed operator has the opportunity to “change the direction of the sector itself” as she eyes a greater symbiosis of gambling, media and entertainment.
Posting on LinkedIn, Nygaard-Andersen said Entain was in a position to engage with technological change and advancements beyond its traditional remit of gambling, and to do so would elevate the firm above its competitors.
Entain’s CEO said: “It’s not only our opportunity to lead the industry, but change the direction of the sector itself. Examples of great companies are often those that have embraced technological disruption as opposed to those who have fought it, and it’s this mindset and clear direction that makes our business journey so exciting.”
Since replacing Shay Segev as CEO, Nygaard-Andersen has remained committed to diversifying Entain’s product offering, including branching into the metaverse, VR and esports.
Nygaard-Andersen previously told EGR that esports was a “huge opportunity” following its £50m acquisition of Unikrn.
Entain is also set to open a £40m global innovation technology hub in central London dubbed Ennovate.
The Farringdon-based hub will see Entain collaborate with tech giants Verizon, BT and Theta Labs to develop “game-changing experiences for customers in gaming and interactive entertainment”.
The FTSE 100 firm has also opened a new “workplace of the future” in Stratford, East London to house its content creation, trading, retail and brand teams.
Nygaard-Andersen reflected on the history of the tech sector, which has shown companies that fail to keep up with the times get left behind, noting these failings were driving Entain’s business strategy moving forwards.
She said: “We’re all aware of many examples of companies that were market leaders but hadn’t kept up with the times, but there are also many examples of businesses that have not made the right call to futureproof their business models.
“It’s through this insight that has set out our journey to be the catalyst for change at Entain. The convergence of media, entertainment, betting and gaming is taking place and we’re at the forefront of that change,” the CEO added.