Vice CEO joins Flutter in board shake-up to restore gender balance
Nancy Dubuc arrives as non-executive director as The Stars Group and Betfair stalwarts depart
Flutter Entertainment has reshuffled its board of directors to improve gender balance and diversity within the business.
The FTSE 100 operator has confirmed that non-executive directors Divyesh “Dave” Gadhia and Peter Rigby will step down from the board at the next AGM on 29 April.
The pair will be replaced by Nancy Dubuc and Holly Koeppel, who will be confirmed as independent non-executive directors on 29 April and 13 May respectively.
Dubuc is currently CEO of Vice Media Group, having led the US-headquartered media firm since 2018. A veteran of the media and broadcasting sector, she has held senior management positions including CEO with A&E Networks between 1999 and 2018.
Former CFO of American Electric Power Koeppel currently holds non-executive director positions at several firms including British American Tobacco, Arch Resources and AES Corporation. She will step down from a non-exec director role at Vesuvius on 12 May.
Further board changes are expected to follow over the next few years, having been triggered by the multi-billion-pound acquisition of The Stars Group (TSG) in May 2020, with the firm seeking candidates both in the UK and internationally.
“We have mapped out a board renewal programme over the coming years, having regard to the scale, geographic breadth and direction of travel of the business, in addition to enhanced gender balance and diversity,” Flutter Entertainment chairman Gary McGann said.
McGann highlighted the experience of Dubuc and Koeppel as being a great asset to the business going forward.
“We look forward to Nancy’s and Holly’s involvement which will add enormously to the diversity of thought and perspective on the Flutter board,” he added.
Gadhia, former executive chairman of TSG, has served as vice chairman of parent company Flutter since the merger.
Rigby served firstly as a director of Betfair, and then Paddy Power, before taking up the same role at Flutter in 2019.
McGann paid tribute to the contributions of the departing duo, referencing Gadhia’s role in leading TSG’s turnaround and growth prior to its absorption by Flutter.
“He was critical in seeing the opportunity for the merger with Flutter, while ensuring that his shareholders were appropriately represented and rewarded. He leaves a strong and enduring legacy,” he explained.
Discussing the departing Rigby, McGann added: “Peter has been a stalwart of the Betfair, Paddy Power and legacy Flutter boards during his seven-year tenure as director.
“He has made significant contributions to Flutter’s progress through his astute chairing of the Risk Committee and subsequently the Remuneration Committee.
“I want to thank both Dave and Peter for their considerable commitment and good counsel and wish them health, happiness and success for the future,” McGann concluded.