Playtech’s New Era: John Gleasure steps in as chairman elect
Playtech, the London-listed giant in gambling technology, has announced that John Gleasure will join its board as an independent Non-Executive Director and Chairman Elect. He’s expected to officially take over from current chairman Brian Mattingley after the company’s Annual General Meeting in May 2025, signalling a notable leadership shift as the business refocuses its strategy.
Gleasure’s appointment arrives as Playtech sharpens its focus on its business-to-business (B2B) offerings, following the recent €2.3 billion sale of its Italian consumer-facing division, Snaitech, to Flutter Entertainment. With regulatory approval cleared in April, the deal marks a major step in Playtech’s transition away from operating gambling brands directly, leaning fully into its role as a technology provider to operators.
Brian Mattingley, who has served as chairman since 2021, guided Playtech through periods of growth and boardroom scrutiny. Reflecting on the transition, he said: “John’s deep experience and insight will be a huge asset as Playtech evolves into a more focused B2B company. I’m committed to supporting him through this transition period.”
A seasoned leader with roots in sports and media
With over 30 years of leadership experience spanning sports, media, and tech, Gleasure is perhaps best known as a co-founder of Perform Group, an early pioneer in live sports data and content for online betting platforms.
He’s held senior positions at Sky Sports, Hutchison 3G, and Sony Pictures, and currently sits on the boards of DAZN Group and The Sporting News, where he previously served as Executive Chairman. His background in streaming, rights management, and global media delivery is expected to complement Playtech’s next phase of growth.
Speaking about his new role, Gleasure said: “Playtech is a unique and forward-thinking company, built on strong tech foundations and partnerships with some of the world’s biggest gambling operators. I’m genuinely excited about the road ahead and look forward to supporting the team in executing the company’s strategy and delivering value for shareholders.”
What’s next for Playtech?
Gleasure’s arrival coincides with one of the most transformative moments in Playtech’s history. The Snaitech sale not only reshapes the business model, it’s also set to unlock a special dividend of up to €1.8 billion, to be distributed in June 2025. That payout is expected to catch the attention of dividend-focused investors, and could put Playtech in the crosshairs of potential suitors.
Still, there are headwinds. The company’s share price has underperformed its peers by 22% over the past year, with investors expressing concern over governance issues and uncertainty around Playtech’s post-sale game plan. Mattingley’s tenure included both progress and pushback, including shareholder unrest over a proposed €100 million executive bonus plan in 2024.
Even so, analysts suggest that Gleasure’s experience in digital content and sports tech could open up fresh opportunities, particularly in areas like esports and crypto betting. Once he formally steps into the chairmanship, his compensation package will be adjusted from the initial €160,000 annual base fee.
As Playtech turns the page, much will depend on whether Gleasure can strike the right balance between innovation and stability. steering the company through a fast-changing gambling tech landscape and delivering on its B2B ambitions.
