Entain lines up non-executive director to replace Shay Segev as CEO
Former Modern Times Group exec Jette Nygaard-Andersen reportedly in advanced discussions over taking top job
Entain looks set to appoint Shay Segev’s successor from within as the FTSE 100 firm braces itself for another takeover offer from US casino giant MGM Resorts.
Segev is leaving for a better-paid role at privately-owned sports streaming specialist DAZN and Entain’s board of directors are now in advanced discussions to hire non-executive director Jette Nygaard-Andersen as the company’s new CEO, as first reported by Sky News.
Nygaard-Andersen was initially recruited by GVC in December 2019 as an independent non-executive director to improve the operator’s “international outlook” under then-chairman Lee Feldman.
The Dane boasts more than 20 years’ experience in leadership and operational roles across the media, entertainment and digital business industries, as well as building and operating DTC and OTT streaming services across multiple European countries.
Between 2003 and 2019, she held several senior executive and non-executive roles at Modern Times Group, a listed international entertainment group with a strong presence in Scandinavia and Central Europe, having also served on the executive committee from 2011.
Jette Nygaard-Andersen
Prior to 2003, she spent six years at Accenture as a senior strategy consultant, advising clients in the telecommunications, media and entertainment sectors.
Peel Hunt analyst Ivor Jones suggested an internal appointment made sense with MGM likely to return with a new and improved takeover bid in the coming weeks.
He told EGR: “As they are already on the board, this is consistent with appointments in the sector typically being from among insiders.
“They have presumably already bought into both the strategy and the approach the group is taking in regard to MGM’s proposed bid and so their appointment would not imply disruption to either.”
Nygaard-Andersen is now the 6/4 favourite to become the next permanent CEO of Entain with London-based bookmaker Star Sports, ahead of BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt at odds of 5/2.