Entain has named experienced chief executive Gavin Isaacs as its new CEO.

The international sports betting and gambling company had been searching for a new permanent leader since Jette Nygaard-Andersen resigned from the role last December.

Isaacs, the former CEO of Scientific Games and chair of Games Global, will officially begin his new role on September 2. Interim CEO Stella David will work alongside Isaacs before succeeding Barry Gibson as chair on September 30.

“I am very excited to be joining Entain,” said Isaacs in a press release. “The company’s iconic brands, exceptional talent and ongoing execution of its refocused strategy will enable the business to return to a leadership position across all aspects. I am confident that Entain has an extremely bright future, and I look forward to leading the group in capitalizing on the opportunities ahead and creating value for all its stakeholders.”

Isaacs’ other previous roles in a long and successful career to date have included as president for the Americas of Aristocrat, five years as executive VP and chief operating officer of Bally’s Technologies, president and CEO of Scientific Games, and chair of Games Global since October 2022. CEO Walter Bugno will act as Games Global’s interim chair until a new permanent chair is appointed.

Bugno said that Isaacs, “has been a tireless advocate for Games Global and as Chairman has played a key leadership role in building our business.” Isaacs will remain on the company’s board as an independent non-executive director.

David said that she is confident that Isaacs can help Entain, “realize the ambitious plans that we have.”

Part of Isaac’s responsibilities will be to spearhead the company’s corporate strategy as it looks to return to growth following corporate losses of more than $1.5 billion CAD in 2023.

Entain appoints new head of Canada

That corporate strategy stressed that Entain should prioritise the growth of its BetMGM joint venture with MGM Resorts International in North America.

While official operator data is not available within Ontario, market report estimates have suggested that Entain’s co-owned BetMGM brand is the combined market leader in Ontario’s two-year-old regulated online gaming and sports betting market.

Entain has multiple other fingers in the Canadian pie, with brands including Sports Interaction, bwin and its slate of Party brands including Party Casino all licensed and operational in Ontario.

Isaacs isn’t the only new leader at Entain. Earlier this month, former HomeStars CEO Shir Magen was appointed as Entain’s new head of Canada.

Announcing the career move on LinkedIn, Magen noted that, “with key markets expected to introduce regulation soon, the growth possibilities are significant.”

Given its success in Ontario and its North America-wide status as a renowned gaming and betting brand, BetMGM would seem at face value a leading candidate to enter the Alberta online gaming and betting market when it opens.