Tipico CEO shifts to chair role as he is replaced by COO
Joachim Baca calls time on frontline service with German giant after eight years as Axel Hefer drafted in to lead group as new boss
Tipico CEO Joachim Baca will step up to become chair of the German operator after eight years of leading the business.
Baca, who joined Tipico in July 2016 after more than 12 years with bwin, will be replaced by current COO Axel Hefer.
Former Trivago CEO Hefer, who is also the chair of German football club Schalke 04, has served as Tipico’s COO since November 2023.
He previously spent time with German online furniture retailer Home24 and had a spell as managing director of One Equity Partners.
The operator said Hefer’s new remit would include further enhancing “Tipico’s product excellence and technology leadership and further drive innovation”.
Baca will be replacing Daniel Pindur as chair of the business. Pindur is a managing partner at Tipico’s owner, CVC.
Tipico has strongholds in Germany and Austria, while the group has also attempted to make inroads into the US market.
Speaking on his promotion, Hefer said: “In recent years, Tipico has evolved from a startup to the definitive market and technology leader in sports betting in Germany.
“I am eager to continue this success story with the Tipico team and the owners. Together we are committed to providing sports fans with the best and most secure betting experience, extending our market leadership and achieving additional sustainable growth,” he added.
Meanwhile, on his ascension to chair of the business, Baca praised the Tipico team’s “exceptional collaboration” during his tenure as CEO.
He said: “Leading Tipico on its strong growth path, building structures and expanding the product portfolio has been a great privilege. We have thus set the stage for a prosperous future.
“I am proud of our collective accomplishments and look forward to remaining a part of the team and continuing to contribute to the ongoing success as chairman of the supervisory board.”
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.