Mr Green CEOs depart as William Hill embraces multi-brand strategy
Per Norman and Jesper Kärrbrink move to advisory roles following MRG delisting
Mr Green’s group and operational CEOs are to move on from their positions at the Swedish operator amid a re-organisation of the business under new owner William Hill.
MRG Group CEO Per Norman is leaving his role following the de-listing of the group, but will become chairman of Mr Green’s esports joint venture GLHF.gg.
Mr Green Ltd CEO Jesper Kärrbrink will move home to Sweden after three years in Malta to work with games development studio Green Jade Games.
In their stead, Patrick Jonker, William Hill’s International MD, will assume the title of Mr Green Malta CEO and head up the businesses’ international hub in Malta.
Under Jonker, Hills said it will set up a new multi-brand structure, focussed on growth in major European markets and emerging territories with a portfolio of brands including William Hill, Mr Green, RedBet, and a number of bingo brands.
Commenting on the changes Ulrik Bengtsson, William Hill chief digital officer, said: “We are making a small number of senior changes but otherwise we aim to allow Mr Green to continue to do what it does best and grow internationally.
“We are very pleased that the Group will continue to benefit from the experience of Per Norman and Jesper Kärrbrink in exciting joint ventures in esports and game development.”
Commenting on the acquisition Per Norman said: “The strategic and logic of the acquisition is obvious, strong brands and size are prerequisites for future success. I am excited to be engaged and follow the William Hill group through my board position in GLHF.”
Jesper Kärrbrink hailed a “fantastic journey” in Malta, adding: “I have planned to move back to Sweden for some time so it is reassuring to know that the existing management team lead by Patrick Jonker as Mr Green Ltd’s new CEO will take the company forward to the next stage of the journey as part of William Hill.”
Last week, William Hill announced a 2% fall in Online adjusted operating profit for 2018 after the London-listed operator continued to feel the pinch of increased regulatory and compliance costs in the UK.