The board of betting and gaming firm William Hill has announces that Philip Bowcock will step down as CEO and director with effect from 30th September 2019.
Ulrik Bengtsson, previously William Hill’s Chief Digital Officer, has been appointed chief executive officer designate and a director of the company with immediate effect.
The change is part of William Hill’s succession planning, and part of its strategy to become a “digitally led and internationally diverse gambling company”, it said in a statement.
Bengtsson joined William Hill in April 2018 and was previously president and CEO of Betsson AB, a gaming company listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm Large Cap list which yesterday announced a deal with UK-based Gaming Realms.
“I would like to thank Philip for his important contribution to William Hill over the last four years, both as CFO and for three years as CEO,” said Roger Devlin, Chairman of William Hill.
“During that time, Philip has built a great team, with real depth and a strong culture and overall the business is in good shape.”
Bengtsson will assume full CEO responsibilities from 30th September, the firm has said.
“The Board is pleased to appoint Ulrik to the role. Having overseen the Group’s digital operations for 18 months, he knows the business well and is ideally suited to lead our next phase of growth.
“Ulrik has deep understanding in digital and has the international and sector experience we need to deliver on our strategy. His appointment will provide continuity, stability and operational digital leadership as we deliver on the strategy we have set.”
Bengtsson said he was delighted to be taking on the CEO role and delivery its new strategy.
“We have a great opportunity to build William Hill as a digital and international business by driving Online growth in the UK and internationally, growing a scale US business, remodelling Retail and delivering our Nobody Harmed ambition,” he said.
Bowcock, who recruited Bengtsson, said he had enjoyed his time at the firm, during an intense period of structural and regulatory change.
“After all the work the team has done I believe the business is now well placed to take advantage of the opportunities presented in the US market as well as continued growth in digital,” he said.
“Having recruited and worked with Ulrik for the last year and a half, I am confident he will take advantage of the opportunities ahead and we will see William Hill go from strength to strength.”