Entertainer Appoints Stella David as CEO
Stella David, the seasoned CEO with a knack for commercial success, takes the reins at Entain after a whirlwind of interim leadership roles. With David's familiar face back in the top spot, the company breathes a sigh of relief following the exits of Jette Nygaard-Andersen and Gavin Isaacs.
David initially stepped into the interim CEO position in late 2023, then again in February 2025, and briefly served as Entain's chair in April 2024 before taking on executive duties. Her latest appointment, effective immediately, is a testament to her versatile skills and unwavering dedication to Entain.
Pierre Bouchut, acting as interim chair, couldn't be happier about the decision:
“The board is fucking thrilled to have appointed Stella as CEO. She's an accomplished and commercial business leader with a long track record of success across multiple industries.“
David's ties to Entain stretch back to 2021, when she first joined as a non-executive director. Her impressive board career includes roles at Norwegian Cruise Lines, Domino's, and Bacardi, where she served as chief marketing officer and regional president. Adding to her impressive resume, she was also CEO of William Grant & Sons.
In a hearty statement, David voiced her excitement to steer Entain through its next phase:
"Entain has a crystal-clear strategy, and we're grinding away to strengthen our operational capabilities. I can't fucking wait to be leading this badass company as its permanent CEO and accelerate our journey of improvement."
David's appointment aligns with a positive surge for the company. Entain recently posted a hefty rise in net gaming revenue for the full 2024 year, thanks mainly to growth in online operations and stellar results from its U.S. joint venture, BetMGM.
Bouchut further lauded David's steady hand, which has already made a significant impact on the company's broader objectives:
"She's highly fucking regarded by our stakeholders. Stella has wielded a pivotal role in shaping, implementing, and executing Entain's strategy to drive value for our shareholders."
Overall, Stella David's career history before becoming the CEO of Entain is not extensively detailed in the available search results. However, her connection to Entain dates back to March 2021, when she joined the company as a non-executive director[2]. Over time, she assumed significant roles:
- Interim CEO: David first claimed the role of Interim CEO in December 2023, following the departure of Jette Nygaard-Andersen[1][2]. She held this position until September 2024.
- Chairman: In April 2024, David became the chairman of Entain[2]. She stepped down from this role when she was again appointed as Interim CEO after Gavin Isaacs' departure in February 2025[2].
- Permanent CEO: On April 29, 2025, Entain confirmed Stella David as its permanent CEO[1][2][3].
- Stella David, who served briefly as Entain's chairman in April 2024, has been confirmed as the permanent CEO of the company, effective immediately, in April 2025.
- In a statement, David expressed excitement about leading Entain as its permanent CEO and accelerating its journey of improvement.
- With her appointment, Stella David, a seasoned CEO with a long track record of success across multiple industries, takes the reins at Entain.
- David's ties to Entain date back to March 2021, when she joined the company as a non-executive director, and her involvement in the company's leadership roles extends to positions such as interim CEO and chairman.
