PokerStars CEO Harrington To Lead Flutter in the UK and Ireland

Article by : Erik Gibbs Nov 19, 2024

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Kevin Harrington, the current CEO of PokerStars, has been appointed as the new head of Flutter Entertainment’s UK and Ireland division. He will take over the role in January 2025, succeeding Ian Brown, who is stepping down to explore new opportunities.

Harrington’s promotion follows Flutter’s organizational restructuring, which was designed to streamline its global operations. This includes combining its UK, Ireland, and Australian divisions into a unified international segment under Dan Taylor’s leadership.

Harrington has been with the B2C online gaming giant for over a decade, starting as UK commercial director at Betfair in 2011. Following Betfair’s merger with Paddy Power in 2015, he held leadership roles at both companies before joining PokerStars in 2020. Initially serving as CCO, he was promoted to CEO of PokerStars in 2023. His extensive experience in the industry and familiarity with Flutter’s business make him a strong choice for leading UK and Ireland operations.

Outgoing CEO Brown leaves behind a record of success, having driven growth and innovation in a challenging market marked by regulatory tightening. Flutter’s Chief Executive, Peter Jackson, praised Brown’s contributions, emphasizing his transformative impact on the company. Brown expressed confidence in Harrington’s ability to build on this momentum, noting his deep understanding of the business and commitment to responsible gambling practices.

This leadership continuity is expected to benefit Flutter’s strategic initiatives, particularly as it navigates a rapidly evolving gaming landscape. With a focus on innovation, player protection, and adapting to regulatory demands, Harrington’s experience allows him to guide the UK and Ireland division through its next growth phase while maintaining a strong ethical foundation.

Flutter’s decision to reorganize also aligns with its broader growth strategy. The new structure emphasizes regional focus, dividing the international segment into five key regions: UK and Ireland, Asia-Pacific, Southern Europe and Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, and Brazil. This move aims to enhance efficiency and strengthen Flutter’s market position globally.

Harrington stated his commitment to maintaining Flutter’s leadership in the UK and Ireland by continuing its focus on customer innovation and ethical practices. His most recent sole signals a new chapter for the company as it seeks to expand responsibly in an evolving gaming landscape.