Pierre Bouchut has been appointed as chair of global wagering company Entain.
Bouchut has been on the Entain Board since September 2018 and was appointed to the position of interim non-executive chair in February 2025 when Stella David stepped back into the chief executive role after the sudden departure of Gavin Isaacs.
Bouchut was the chief operating officer for Europe at food retailer Koninklijke Aholddelhaize from 2016 until 2018, chief financial officer at Delhaize Group Belgium from 2012 to 2016 and led Carrefour SA from 2009 to 2012. He has also held a host of other directorships.
“It is an honour to lead Entain during an exciting period for the business, as we look to build further on our current momentum and capture the significant opportunities that lie ahead. I am looking forward to continuing to work with Stella and her senior management team as we accelerate our operational strategy and deliver sustainable growth for the long term,” Bouchut said.
David Satz, Entain’s Senior Independent Director, said the board was delighted to have Bouchut fill the role.
“He is an accomplished business leader with a wealth of experience across multiple industries. Having been a member of the Board for several years, Pierre knows the sector well and also has a deep understanding of the Group’s underlying business dynamics and strategic priorities,” he said.
“His continued leadership provides consistency and stability, ensuring the Board’s continued focus on their commitment to delivering value to all stakeholders.”
Entain has also confirmed better than expected first half results.
Total Group Net Gaming Revenue was up seven per cent on the same time last year. That saw Total Group EBITDA at £625m, up 32 per cent year-on-year.
However, the Australian business is still battling headwinds, with revenue down seven per cent on the first half of last year. Revenue for the New Zealand business, where Entain now holds a monopoly, is up 12 per cent.
“I am delighted by the ongoing momentum and strong performance that both Entain and BetMGM have delivered in H1 2025," David said.
"Entain’s transformation journey is well underway, gathering pace and is supported by our high-quality portfolio of iconic brands with podium positions in attractive markets.
"Our business is getting stronger, fitter and faster, with these results reinforcing our confidence in driving sustainable underlying growth and generating more than £0.5bn of cash annually in the medium term.”
