Itai Frieberger steps down as 888 CEO
Frieberger to stay on as a director during his notice period after being succeeded by 888 COO Itai Pazner
Itai Frieberger has today stepped down as 888 CEO and will be replaced by the group COO Itai Pazner.
Frieberger told colleagues it was the “right time” to step back from the day-to-day running of the 888 after “eight exciting and rewarding years as senior executive of a dynamic business”.
Frieberger will stay on in a director role for up to 12 months during his notice period, after a 14-year spell with the Gibraltar-based operator, including the last three years as CEO.
The Israeli will be replaced by his namesake Pazner, who has spent 17 years with 888 in various senior roles, including SVP of B2C, before becoming COO in 2017.
The outgoing Frieberger paid tribute to 888 staff and technology, saying: “Being CEO of 888 and working with our team of highly skilled and committed colleagues has been a tremendous honour.
“We have so many great people, partners and investors around the world and I would like to thank them all for their amazing effort and support over the last eight years.
“In particular, I would like to thank the operational leadership team and, especially, Brian Mattingley, our chairman, and Aviad Kobrine, our CFO.
“Their support and input have been invaluable throughout my time at 888 and I am very proud of what we have achieved during my time here.
“The global online gaming industry has changed beyond recognition during this period but, despite this, the Group has continued to achieve its strategic objectives and deliver for its stakeholders.
“This is down to the strength of our team and our outstanding technology,” he added.
New 888 CEO Itai Pazner
Pazner, who was described by Mattingley as a “highly experienced and dynamic operator,” said: “I am honoured to become the new CEO of 888.
“888 has a brilliant team and culture across the business, which is led by a talented and vastly experienced operational management team.
“Itai Frieberger is hugely admired both within 888 and throughout the online gaming industry and he has been instrumental in the group’s significant development over many years.
“I am very excited at the prospect of building on his work and continuing to deliver the group’s clear growth strategy,” he added.
888 shares were down 2.3% in early trading.