Playtech calls time on chairman search with Brian Mattingley hire
888 veteran replaces interim chairman Claire Milne after lengthy selection process
888 non-executive chairman Brian Mattingley has left the operator to become the new chairman of Playtech.
Mattingley leaves 888 after 16 years and will join Playtech on 1 June, replacing interim chairman Claire Milne, who has led the business since May 2020.
He first joined 888 in 2005 as a non-executive director before being appointed CEO in 2012. He then transitioned to a chairman role in March 2016.
Mattingley has previously served as CEO of Gala Regional Developments and has held senior roles with Gala Group, Ritz Bingo, Kingfisher and Dee Corporation.
Mattingley’s departure from 888 was flagged in September 2020 after 20% of shareholders opposed his continued tenure as chairman.
Playtech has confirmed Mattingley will be paid a salary of £338,000 per annum as its new chairman.
A process to recruit a permanent chair had been underway since Milne’s appointment in May.
“Over the course of the last 30 years, Brian has delivered strongly in these areas and has been at the forefront of the development of our industry,” said Milne.
“We are delighted that someone of Brian’s calibre is joining the board and look forward to benefitting from his experience to support our continued progress and growth,” she added.
In February, Playtech shareholder Jason Ader criticised the company’s delay in appointing a permanent chairman, asserting the move was a “power grab” by Milne which had proved unpopular with investors.
The SpringOwl Investment CEO claimed the firm was not performing to its full potential under interim leadership and that a more experienced independent replacement was required.
Playtech senior independent director John Jackson paid tribute to the outgoing Milne in the wake of Mattingley’s appointment.
He said: “Claire has provided continuity and stability during the pandemic, helping to enable Playtech to deliver a strong performance in 2020.”
Mattingley will be replaced at 888 by Lord Jon Mendelsohn, whose appointment as chair designate was revealed in September 2020.
He has already joined the board’s remuneration and audit committee.
Mendelsohn is a gambling sector veteran with more than 20 years’ experience. He co-founded Oakvale Capital LLP, a leading London-based M&A and boutique strategic advisory firm focused on gaming, gambling and sport.
Playtech’s share price increased by 4% in early trading on the London Stock Exchange.