Per Widerström takes the reins at 888
Former Fortuna Entertainment Group boss joins London-listed firm as CEO in official capacity following July announcement
888 has entered into a new era after Per Widerström officially assumed his role as CEO at the London-listed operator.
Former Fortuna Entertainment Group (FEG) chief Widerström will take up the reins today, 16 October, as 888 looks to new leadership to power the business forward.
Widerström officially replaces former CEO Itai Pazner, who departed the company with immediate effect in January after 22 years with the business.
In the subsequent interim period, 888 has been led by non-executive chair Lord Mendelsohn as interim executive chair.
Lord Mendelsohn will now return to his position as non-executive chair, while also taking a position on 888’s nominations committee.
In July, when Widerström was announced as the incoming CEO, the industry exec said he was “delighted and honoured” to be joining 888.
Widerström said: “Following 888’s combination with William Hill, the group has a world-class portfolio of betting and gaming brands, an outstanding technology platform and an exceptional team.
“Together these attributes mean it is exceptionally well positioned to become a clear global industry leader.
“It is incredibly exciting to be joining at such a key moment in the group’s long-term development.
“888 has a clear and attractive opportunity ahead of it and I am very much looking forward to getting started and working with the rest of the team to build on the strong progress already made and achieve the group’s full and very exciting potential,” he concluded.
Widerström will join chief strategy officer and interim chief financial officer (CFO) Vaughan Lewis on the 888 senior leadership team.
Former Superbet exec Sean Wilkins will complete the triumvirate in February when he joins as CFO, with Lewis returning to his full-time role as chief strategy officer.
Wilkins will replace former CFO Yariv Dafna, who left 888 on 2 October.
One of Widerström’s first ports of call will be 888’s Q3 trading update, which is due to be released on 18 October.
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.