888 confirms Per Widerström as new CEO

888 has confirmed the appointment of Per Widerström as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who will step in the position beginning on October 16, 2023. 888 is an international gaming behemoth known for brands such as the eponymous 888, WilliamHill, and Mr Green.

The company has been on the lookout for a new executive since the sudden departure of its former chief executive, Itai Pazner who left the company at the end of January this year amid certain difficulties 888 faced in the Middle East.

However, 888 is confident that the new appointment will make for a great fit in the company and significantly strengthen 888’s operations at a time when the holding needs a firm hand at the rudder. Widerström is the right person for the job, having held various roles across the industry in his 17 years of experience.

He has most recently served as CEO at Fortuna Entertainment Group, a business that focuses on the Central and Eastern European markets. His stint with the company comes to an end after eight years from 2014-2022, and he will now be strengthening his new-found home.

This means that Lord Mendelsohn, the Executive Chair, will be able to return to his position as a non-executive Chair. Commenting on the good news Lord Mendelsohn said he was delighted to see Widerström join the company.

The appointment has enjoyed the unanimous support of the board and the new executive has been approved by all members. Mendelsohn explained that Widerström would be able to put the company on a path to strong growth and value creation. He continued:

"Per has extensive experience in both public and private companies, and a long track record with a proven ability to execute value-creation plans. As well as being an energetic and inspiring leader, Per brings nearly two decades of highly relevant industry expertise into the role."

Among the qualities that stood out to the board were Widerström’s unfaltering commitment to governance and compliance. 888 CEO Per Widerström was himself excited to be joining this new position and said that he was both delighted and honored to be stepping into the important role.

He praised 888 for owning a world-class portfolio of gaming and betting platforms along with an outstanding technological stack and platform. "It is incredibly exciting to be joining at such a key moment in the Group’s long-term development," Widerström continued and added that 888 has a clear and attractive opportunity ahead of it – something that the new executive would love to contribute to.

Image credit: 888