Exclusive: Oddschecker Global Media CEO to step down
Toby Bentall to be replaced on an interim basis by CFO Nick Barnett but will stay on in an advisory role
Oddschecker Global Media (OGM) CEO Toby Bentall will step down from his role at the helm of the betting odds comparison site from 18 March, EGR Intel can exclusively reveal.
Bentall will remain with OGM in an advisory capacity after this date but will be replaced as CEO on an interim basis by current OGM chief financial officer Nick Barnett.
In a statement confirming his decision, Bentall cited the completion of the sale to Bruin Capital as a signal that it was the right moment to step away from the CEO position.
“This was a very difficult decision for me to make, and there is never a good time to step down, but this is the right time for me and my family and having successfully navigated OGM’s sale from Flutter to Bruin it is an opportune time for the business too,” Bentall said.
“Over the last 22 years, OGM has grown to become the UK’s leading sports betting affiliate, and I am immensely proud to have been part of almost half of its journey to date.
“I have been privileged to work with many exceptional people over the last nine years, and the business has a talented, stable, and motivated management team.
Bentall continued: “We have built a company that is a structural winner and one that can be easily launched and scaled into new territories.
“It has a very exciting future. I look forward to watching the continued success of OGM as both a shareholder but also in my new capacity as an advisor,” he added.
Nick Barnett has served as OGM’s chief financial officer for the last seven years, having previously served as a financial controller at Sky Plc. Reflecting on his new role, Barnett said he was thrilled to be taking on the big job at an “immensely exciting time” for the business.
“As Toby transitions into his new role, OGM is in great shape being well ahead of our sales plan.” Barnett said.
“I look forward to working with the rest of the leadership group, as well as the great team at Bruin Capital, in continuing to accelerate business performance. In George Pyne and Bruin Capital we have a great backer who is as excited about the future as we are.
“On a personal level I’d like to thank Toby for his leadership and guidance over the last seven years and I look forward to collaborating with him in his new capacity,” he added.
A veteran of the betting sector, Bentall joined Sky Betting and Gaming in February 2008 as a commercial analyst before becoming a commercial finance manager for the Leeds-based bookmaker in 2011.
Bentall would later transition to becoming first managing director of the Oddschecker business in 2013. He was installed as CEO of OGM in October 2018, presiding over the biggest period of growth in the firm’s history.
Flutter Entertainment, previously OGM’s parent company, sold the Oddschecker brand and associated assets to US investment firm Bruin Capital for £155m in July 2021.
Bruin Capital founder & CEO George Pyne hailed the role Bentall and Barnett have played in spurring OGM’s long term success.
“I am very happy for Toby and his family and grateful for all he has done as the company’s leader,” Pyne said.
“At the same time, I’m very excited for what’s ahead for OGM and believe it will be a global leader in the gaming industry. I wish Toby all my best and am glad he will still be connected to us.
“Nick is going to do very well in this role, and the company will have the full weight of Bruin’s global resources behind it,” Pyne added.