Stella David accepts Entain CEO role amid “strong” Q1 performance

Entain has today announced the appointment of Stella David as permanent company CEO, following public support from major stakeholders. 

This news comes by way of a Q1 trading update from the FTSE-listed group – in which Entain lauded “leadership continuity” and “momentum in strategic execution” as two notable benefits deriving from her designation at the group’s helm.

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David had operated as interim CEO in the wake of Gavin Isaacs’ sudden February resignation, which marked her second temporary installation as Entain's chief executive. In 2023, she covered the position after the departure of former chief executive, Jette Nygaard-Andersen. 

Now, Stella David takes the reins in a senior full-time leadership capacity for the first time in almost a decade. 

Entain interim chair, Pierre Bouchut, praised David for playing a “pivotal role” in achieving tangible results for shareholders:

“The board is delighted to have appointed Stella as CEO. She is an accomplished and commercial business leader with a long track record of success across multiple industries. Stella has played a pivotal role in shaping, implementing and executing the ongoing delivery of Entain’s strategy to drive value for our shareholders.”

Bouchut noted that David is greatly valued by Entain investors – as evidenced by reports published earlier this month: “She is highly regarded by our stakeholders, and her appointment provides consistency and stability as the business pursues its many growth opportunities.”

Speaking on her promotion to permanent Entain CEO, Stella David voiced excitement at the organisation’s potential for improvement and success:

“Entain has a clear strategy and we are making great strides in strengthening our operational capabilities. Having taken the time to reflect, I am hugely excited to be leading the business going forward as Entain’s CEO as we accelerate our journey of improvement. 

“Entain is a great business with significant potential and I am confident in its ability to deliver further success in the future.”

However, this was not David’s debut statement as group CEO. Entain revealed Q1 results prior to this notice – with “better than expected” performance showcasing the brand’s upward trajectory under her temporary leadership.

Commenting on Entain’s early year accomplishments in her first public release as CEO, David said:

"We have made a strong start to 2025. Our improving operational execution saw us exit 2024 with clear momentum which has continued in Q1. Entain has a clear and compelling strategy with today’s results further evidence of its delivery. We are in the early stages of our journey of improvement and are driving ahead at pace.”

She also expressed unwavering confidence that these positive results shall persist hereafter, saying: 

“Entain’s portfolio of podium positions in attractive and regulated growth markets underpins the structural growth embedded in our business. We are confident that our current momentum and underlying growth will deliver quality and sustainable earnings with a clear pathway to generating over £0.5 billion of annual cashflow in the medium term.”