Entain Reshuffle Continues With Executive Departure, New Board Member

Article by : Erik Gibbs Jan 7, 2024

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Ricky Sandler, the founder and CEO of Eminence Capital, has been appointed as a non-executive director at Entain. Effective immediately, Sandler will also join Entain’s People & Governance and Capital Allocation committees.

In his role within the People & Governance committee, Sandler will collaborate with Entain in identifying an additional non-executive director agreeable to both Eminence and Entain. With over 25 years of leadership, Sandler established Eminence Capital in 1999 and currently serves as its CEO and chief investment officer.

Before this role, Sandler also acted as the co-founded of Fusion Capital Management. He also worked for Mark Asset Management Corporation as a research analyst.

Expressing his satisfaction with the appointment, Sandler conveyed his pleasure at joining a business that holds influential positions in global markets. He expressed anticipation in supporting Entain’s long-term growth strategy and goals.

Entain’s chairman, Barry Gibson, also acknowledged that Sandler would play a crucial role in assisting the group in pursuing what he described as “substantial” growth opportunities.

News of Sandler’s appointment comes as ongoing directorial changes at Entain extend into 2024, marked by the exit of Nicholas Batram from his role as Group Director of M&A and Corporate Development.

Nicholas Batram communicated his departure from Entain through a LinkedIn post. This brought his eight-year tenure with the company to an end.

Batram revealed his decision to transition into a freelance role, where he will offer consultancy services in areas such as M&A, financial communications, and corporate finance.

Having assumed the position of Group Director for M&A and Corporate Development at Entain since January 2019, Batram concurrently held the position of Chair for the Ladbrokes Coral Charitable Trust. He held this position starting in June 2018.

Previously, he served as the Director of Investor Relations and External Communications from April 2016 to December 2018, a role held before the rebranding of GVC Holdings to Entain.

Batram’s exit and Sandler’s appointments are part of a series of changes at Entain since last month. The beginning of this effort was marked by the announcement of Jette Nygaard-Andersen stepping down as CEO. Subsequently, Stella David, the Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, was appointed as interim CEO, tasked with leading the company until a permanent successor was identified.