Andrew Vouris Appointed as Permanent CEO of Entain ANZ: A Fresh Chapter in Leadership
Andrew Vouris has officially taken the helm as the permanent CEO of Entain Australia & New Zealand (ANZ), a strategic move following his tenure as interim CEO since June. His extensive background and nearly two decades of experience in the wagering and operations sectors position him uniquely to navigate the complex landscape in which Entain operates.
His predecessor, Dean Shannon, stepped down on June 30, marking a pivotal change in leadership that was aimed at refreshing the company’s direction. During the transition, Vouris was appointed to lead the company temporarily, enabling a thorough search for a permanent successor. Now, after an extensive global search, Vouris’s leadership has been solidified.
Vouris’s career spans 17 years, with notable achievements at Tabcorp, where he spent nearly a decade, including a significant role overseeing the wagering division. Subsequently, he served as the chief operating officer of Entain Esports, further diversifying his skill set.
In expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Vouris shared, “I am both thankful for this chance and aware of the responsibilities it entails.” He emphasized his commitment to fostering a workplace ethos where success is celebrated, but not at any cost, and also pledged to prioritize customer protection and innovation in betting.
Stella David, CEO of Entain Group, has endorsed Vouris’s appointment, citing his proven dedication to stakeholders and a vision for a culture grounded in sustainability and compliance. “Andrew has made remarkable strides since joining Entain, and I am eager to continue collaborating with him,” she remarked.
Navigating Challenges and Opportunities
Vouris’s permanent appointment coincides with a critical period for Entain ANZ, facing legal scrutiny in Australia and adapting to a new monopoly in New Zealand. Notably, the company experienced a 7% decrease in online revenue in Australia during the recent quarter.
During a Q2 earnings call, David addressed the ongoing legal issues with the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (Austrac), which initiated proceedings against Entain due to significant compliance lapses in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. While a provision of £50 million ($67.4 million) was noted in earnings, it was clarified that this was not a reserve for potential fines but an accounting entry, with mediation ongoing and updates pending.
New Beginnings in New Zealand
On a more positive note, Entain’s partner in New Zealand, TAB NZ, recently secured a monopoly over online sports and racing betting, with new legislation taking effect on June 28. Entain has pledged NZ$100 million ($58.5 million) towards enhancing New Zealand’s racing industry, following a strategic 25-year partnership with TAB NZ established earlier this year.
Looking ahead, Vouris sees significant growth potential for Entain ANZ, stating, “I am optimistic about our business’s future. While there is still much to accomplish, we are well-positioned to expand.”
This fresh leadership chapter under Vouris presents both challenges and avenues for innovation, as he aims to reinforce Entain’s commitment to ethical operations while exploring new possibilities across the ANZ landscape.