888 Holdings has named gaming industry veteran Per Widerström as their new Chief Executive. Widerström brings more than 17 years of international gaming industry experience to the position and is taking one of the UK’s larges – a company that is known for massive success and few recent missteps.
Widerström’s most recent position was as the CEO for the Fortuna Entertainment Group, an operator with a strong presence in Central and Eastern Europe. Having spent the years 2014-2022 in that position, Widerström comes in with a reputation for stability.
888’s Board members and shareholders are hoping that Widerström can bring some stability to the company. While the company is in good financial shape, its treatment of Middle Eastern VIPs raised the ire of UK regulators last year. 888 also saw impact from the departure of its previous CEO Itai Pazner.
Pazner’s interim replacement Lord Mendelsohn is well known in British gaming circles and served as an advisor to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. He will return to his previous role as non-excutive Chairman.
Speaking in a recent press release, Lord Mendelsohn praised Widerström’s appointment saying, “We are delighted to be able to appoint Per following what has been an extensive and comprehensive search process. The Board unanimously agreed that Per was the clear standout candidate to lead the Group to build on the strong platform for growth and value creation that has been established.”
Widerström was equally enthusiastic adding, “I am delighted and honoured to become the Group’s new CEO. Following 888’s combination with William Hill, the Group has a world-class portfolio of betting and gaming brands, an outstanding technology platform, and an exceptional team. Together these attributes mean it is exceptionally well positioned to become a clear global industry leader.”