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September 24, 2021
April 15, 2025
By Evans Momodu
Published 18:35
Former DAZN and Perform executive John Gleasure to lead Playtech as chairman, inheriting governance challenges and overseeing €1.8bn dividend windfall.
Playtech, the London-listed gambling technology giant, will name John Gleasure, a seasoned digital media executive and former DAZN executive, as its next chairman this week.
Gleasure, who also co-founded Perform Group, a leading sports media platform, is expected to be officially announced on Wednesday, according to sources familiar with the matter. He will succeed Brian Mattingley, who has chaired the company since 2021.
Gleasure steps into a role marked by boardroom tensions and investor scrutiny, particularly over executive pay packages. Most notably, in December 2024, nearly one-third of shareholders voted against a €100 million bonus plan awarded to CEO Mor Weizer and senior leadership.
Despite the controversies, Mattingley is credited with steering Playtech through a transformative phase, including major M&A activity and increasing shareholder value.
A key highlight of Mattingley’s tenure was the sale of Playtech’s Italian consumer business, Snaitech, for €2.3 billion, finalised last year and approved by regulators last week. The deal delivered a nearly threefold return on investment and will unlock a €1.8 billion (£1.5 billion) special dividend, slated for June.
This windfall marks a significant moment for Playtech and its investors, while Gleasure will now be tasked with maintaining momentum, navigating regulatory pressures, and calming any remaining boardroom unrest.
The appointment signals Playtech’s strategic push to blend technology, media, and betting expertise at the leadership level, especially as the global gambling industry continues to evolve.
Source: sky news
