Flutter Entertainment has announced significant additions to its board of directors, appointing Christine McCarthy and Dob Bennett as non-executive directors. Both appointments are set to become effective from July 30. Notably, McCarthy’s responsibilities will include serving on the Flutter audit committee, while Bennett will join the risk and sustainability committee.
Christine McCarthy brings a wealth of experience from her illustrious 24-year career at Disney, where she most recently served as a strategic advisor. During this period, McCarthy also held prominent positions such as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Senior Executive Vice President. Before her tenure at Disney, McCarthy held various senior finance roles at Imperial Bancorp and First Interstate Bancorp, further underscoring her extensive expertise in financial management.
In addition to her new role at Flutter, McCarthy continues to serve on the boards of several prestigious organizations, including Procter & Gamble, FM Global, and National Geographic. Her diverse portfolio of roles highlights her capability and influence in the corporate world.
Dob Bennett, Flutter’s other new board member, currently manages Hilltop Investments, a private investment firm. Before this, Bennett was the president of Discovery Holding Company, a media business, and the Principal Financial Officer at Liberty Media Corporation, a dominant force in the entertainment and media industry. Bennett’s career also includes roles at Tele-Communications and The Bank of New York. He presently serves on the boards of Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Liberty Media and has held director positions at several leading companies such as Warner Bros. Discovery, Sprint Corporation, Demand Media, Liberty Interactive Corporation, and Sprint Nextel Corporation.
John Bryant, the chairman of Flutter, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointments, stating, “Christine and Dob’s extensive experience in the entertainment industry will be an invaluable asset to Flutter as we continue to extend our leading position as a global online sports betting and igaming provider. We look forward to welcoming both Dob and Christine to the Board as non-executive directors. We will benefit from their unique perspective and industry knowledge.”
The double appointment aligns with Flutter’s strategic transition to a primary listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
. Officially completed at the end of May, this move reflects the company’s growth trajectory and the evolving dynamics of global markets. Despite this transition, Flutter shares remain eligible and continue to trade on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE).
The announcement follows a significant reshuffle in Flutter’s executive management. Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson, the company’s group CFO, recently stepped down to address family commitments in the UK. The role, which demands substantial executive management time in the United States, prompted Edgecliffe-Johnson’s decision. Rob Coldrake has been announced as his immediate successor. Coldrake previously served as CFO of Flutter International since joining the group in 2020. His prior experience includes a 14-year tenure in various financial roles at TUI Travel and PWC, augmenting his credentials for his new role at Flutter.
Flutter’s expansion and strategic adjustments underscore the company’s commitment to maintaining its leadership status in the highly competitive global online sports betting and igaming sectors. By bringing in seasoned professionals like McCarthy and Bennett, Flutter aims to harness their expertise and insight, driving further growth and innovation within the company.
The additions of McCarthy and Bennett to the Flutter board demonstrate the company’s proactive approach to strengthening its governance structure with leaders who possess extensive industry knowledge and a track record of success. Their diverse experiences are expected to provide valuable contributions to Flutter’s strategic initiatives, risk management, and sustainability efforts.
As Flutter continues to navigate the complexities of the global market, the expertise of its board members will be crucial in steering the company towards achieving its ambitious goals. With a solid leadership team in place, Flutter is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities and reinforce its stance as a major player in the online betting and gaming industry.
In conclusion, the appointment of Christine McCarthy and Dob Bennett represents a significant milestone for Flutter Entertainment. Their combined experience and leadership are anticipated to bring substantial benefits to the company, contributing to its ongoing success and growth in the global marketplace.
