Flutter shifts Portia Walker to lead Sisal integration
Former journalist swaps CEO’s office to lead merger strategy and support Sisal C-level as deal completes
Flutter Entertainment has confirmed CEO Peter Jackson’s former chief of staff Portia Walker will lead the integration of Sisal following the completion of the £1.62bn deal last week.
As revealed by EGR in May, Walker will now assume the role of integration director as Flutter looks to bring the Italian operator into its umbrella operations.
As integration director, Walker will support Sisal CEO Francesco Durante and his senior team as Flutter embeds Sisal into its International division.
EGR understands there are set to be no major personnel changes at Sisal following the completion of the acquisition.
Walker originally joined Flutter as chief of staff to CEO Peter Jackson in December 2020 before being replaced by former Paddy Power advertising manager Karen O’Rourke in May 2022.
The former BBC journalist worked at McKinsey & Company as an associate and then an engagement manager before making the move to the gambling industry.
Speaking on her appointment, Walker said: “I’m thrilled to be taking on the Sisal integration, working with Francesco Durante and his brilliant team in Milan to bring this iconic Italian brand into the Flutter International family.
“It was a real privilege to have been Peter Jackson’s chief of staff and work with his fantastic ExCo and teams across the Flutter Entertainment brands and group – a huge thank to you all,” she added.
Flutter revealed Sisal had recorded year-on-year (YoY) revenue growth of 58% to £402m, while EBITDA jumped 51% to £120m for the first six months of 2022.