Ulrik Bengtsson takes over as CEO of Sun International
South Africa’s Sun International Limited has appointed Ulrik Bengtsson as the new Group Chief Executive with effect from July 1, 2025. The milestone achievement follows an extensive global search that was launched to seek a suitable replacement for retiring CEO Anthony Leeming, who is departing after a 26-year term with the company. Bengtsson’s appointment will probably usher in a new dawn for Sun International as the group continues to grow in the competitive gaming market.
A promising transition
Ulrik Bengtsson, a Swedish citizen with nearly 20 years of high-profile experience in the entertainment and gaming industries, will replace Leeming, who has played a key role in transforming Sun International from a conventional land-based operator into a powerful omnichannel player.
In a statement on his resignation at Raketech, where he is chairman, Bengtsson said he was excited about this new opportunity: “Stepping back into a full-time CEO role feels like the right professional choice for me, and the opportunity I have been offered is intriguing.”
Anthony Leeming has been instrumental in guiding the company to become more digitally oriented in its strategy, including building its online presence.
The board has observed his contribution. Sun International Chairman Sam Sithole affirmed, “Anthony has made an indelible mark on Sun International and the remainder of the group. I would like to thank him for his valuable contribution and service to the company.” Leeming will be available during the transition period until December 2025 to facilitate the seamless handing over of responsibilities.
Ulrik Bengtsson’s impressive track record
Some significant accomplishments in the gaming industry highlight Bengtsson’s working life. He became a part of Raketech in May 2021 after resigning as the CEO of William Hill, which 888 Holdings acquired. His career at William Hill began in 2018 when he was appointed Chief Digital Officer, and he was swiftly promoted to the position of CEO just a year later. Under his stewardship, William Hill went through significant changes that included the launch of William Hill International and significant enhancements in its online strategy.
Prior to William Hill, Bengtsson was at the helm of Malta-based Betsson Group for five years. His varied experience has provided him with broad exposure to the industry. In anticipation of his new appointment at Sun International, he has resigned from a number of roles, including chairman of Hostelworld, to devote his full-time to the company.
Sithole praised Bengtsson for his vast experience, saying, “Ulrik is a highly experienced and successful global executive with deep industry knowledge and expertise. His proven track record of delivering results and unlocking value in complex, dynamic environments positions him extremely well to lead Sun International into its next phase of growth.”
A vision for the future
In outlining his vision for Sun International, Bengtsson described the company as “an iconic leisure group with a proud heritage” and highlighted the exceptional growth prospects on offer as the company develops with the changing contours of the global gaming landscape. I’m delighted to be joining this excellent organisation as chief executive and relish the opportunity to work with the board and other stakeholders to propel its ongoing success and map out a visionary way forward,” he added.
Sun International was founded in 1967 and has grown to be a southern African gaming industry leader through pioneering casinos and hospitality services over the years. The company runs a portfolio of gaming properties, resorts, and hotels and hence offers a combination of urban casino entertainment, online betting services, and a wide range of hospitality facilities. The contemporary development in South Africa’s gambling scene, marked by a comprehensive revamp of its regulatory framework for online gambling, offers a fitting background upon which Bengtsson can take the lead.
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