William Hill is to replace Philip Bowcock as CEO as it aims towards online growth in the UK and internationally.
Bowcock steps down at the end of this month and also leaves the board of directors, with Ulrik Bengtsson – previously William Hill's chief digital officer and a former president and CEO of Betsson – appointed as CEO designate, taking a place on the board with immediate effect.
Bowcock will stay with the company until the end of 2019 as part of a succession planning process.
The news follows on from William Hill announcing it was to close 700 betting shops following the UK government’s FOBTs crackdown.
Roger Devlin, chairman of William Hill, said: "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. During that time, Philip has built a great team, with real depth and a strong culture and overall the business is in good shape. He has led the business through a period of unprecedented change including the challenges of the Triennial Review and has set a clear strategy, driven our expansion in the US and reinvented our approach to safer gambling.
"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: "I am delighted to be taking on the CEO role at such an exciting time for William Hill and look forward to working with the team to deliver our 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."
