John Gleasure Named Chairman Elect of Playtech, Will Take Over in May 2025

Playtech has announced the appointment of John Gleasure as its incoming Chairman, with the seasoned media and betting executive set to formally assume the role after the company’s annual general meeting in May 2025.

Currently serving as a Non-executive Director at DAZN Group and The Sporting News, Gleasure will join Playtech’s board as an independent Non-executive Director and Chairman Elect. He will succeed Brian Mattingley, who is stepping down from the Chairmanship following the upcoming AGM.

Gleasure brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across digital sports media, technology, and gaming. A co-founder of the Perform Group, he has also held leadership positions at companies such as Sky Sports, Hutchison 3G, and Sony Pictures. His expertise in data-driven broadcasting, rights management, and digital content aligns well with Playtech’s ongoing evolution into a technology-first, business-to-business (B2B) operator.

Speaking on his appointment, Gleasure said: “Playtech is a unique and highly innovative business, underpinned by technology and relationships with the world’s leading gambling operators. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.”

Mattingley, who has overseen Playtech’s board during a significant period of change, expressed confidence in his successor: “John’s significant experience and knowledge will be a tremendous asset for Playtech as it continues its transformation into a predominantly pure-play B2B business.”

The leadership transition comes on the heels of robust financial performance for Playtech. In its most recent fiscal report for the year ending December 31, 2024, the company disclosed an 11% rise in adjusted EBITDA, which reached €480.4 million. Total revenue also climbed by 5%, totaling €1.79 billion ($1.93 billion).

Playtech attributed much of this growth to its thriving B2B segment, which not only hit but surpassed its medium-term EBITDA targets earlier than anticipated. Revenue from the B2B division rose 10% to €754.3 million, while adjusted EBITDA in that segment jumped 22% to €222 million.

Notably, the company’s business in the Americas played a pivotal role in this surge. Revenue from the region increased 19%, amounting to €251.6 million. Within that figure, the United States and Canada posted a combined €29.8 million, marking an impressive 126% increase year-over-year. Playtech credited its successful partnerships with Hard Rock Digital in New Jersey and Wplay in Colombia as central to these results. Brazil also showed promise, with expectations of becoming a regulated gaming jurisdiction in 2025 fueling momentum.

Beyond financial achievements, Playtech continues to broaden its technological and operational footprint. Live Casino operations reported a 24% increase in revenue, while its software-as-a-service (SaaS) segment saw 59% growth, hitting €80 million. Meanwhile, Playtech has expanded its responsible gambling program with the BetBuddy AI tool, now active across 23 brands in 14 different jurisdictions.

The company’s evolution since its founding in 1999 has been marked by steady growth and diversification. Today, Playtech operates in 19 countries and employs more than 7,300 people worldwide. Its gaming portfolio spans a wide array of products including casino games, sports betting, poker, bingo, live dealer experiences, and virtual sports.

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As part of the transition, Gleasure will receive an annual base fee of £140,000 ($185,720). A revised compensation package will be announced once he formally assumes the Chairmanship following the AGM.

His appointment adds further strategic depth to Playtech’s board during a time of increased emphasis on innovation, technology, and regulated market expansion. With Gleasure’s extensive background in both traditional broadcasting and emerging digital betting ecosystems, Playtech appears poised to further solidify its position as a B2B leader in the global gaming space.

Source:

“Playtech names John Gleasure as Chairman Elect ahead of AGM transition“, gamblinginsider.com, April 16, 2025.