Richard Flint to leave Sky Betting and Gaming

Richard Flint, the executive chairman of Leeds-headquartered Sky Betting and Gaming (SBG), is to leave the company after 17 years.

The announcement was made on an analyst call held by SBG’s new owners – Canadian gambling firm The Stars Group, which undertook a £3.4bn acquisition of SBG last year.

On the call, Rafael Ashkenazi, CEO of The Stars Group, said:  “Lastly, the integration of SBG has progressed really well, enabling us to increase our target for synergies from $70m to $100m with the incremental savings being invested to support ongoing organic growth.

“With the business now on the strong path as part of the Star Group, Richard Flint, who served part time as SBG Executive Chairman since October has decided to take this opportunity to move on and pursue other opportunities. I’d like to thank him for his great work and for the assistance with the transition of the business.

“Richard leaves SBG in great shape and it’s new home under the management of Ian Proctor and Conor Grant, who were both promoted from within following CMA approval in October 2018 and I’m confident that this will allow us to maintain our unique culture and help deliver success over the years.”

Flint had been with company  for 17 years and was the CEO from 2008 to 2018, when he became executive chairman. He is a well-known figure in the regional business community and was announced the chair of the Yorkshire and Humber CBI in 2017.

The £3.4bn ( $4.7bn) acquisition of SBG – which is controlled by Cyan Blue Topco – by Stars, was announced in April 2018, creating the world’s largest publicly listed online gaming company.

Last July, the Competitions and Markets Authority announced it had issued an enforcement notice and ordered the firms – Stars, Stars UK and Cyan – to ensure that they were distinct before 10 July.

The deal was given CMA approval in October last year.