The chairman of Playtech, the London-listed gambling technology group, is to step down, triggering a search for a successor with a taste for stringent corporate governance challenges.

Egon Zehnder International, the boardroom headhunter, is being appointed to handle the search for Mr Mattingley’s successor, according to a source close to the situation.

A former chairman and chief executive of 888, the London-listed gaming company now known as Evoke, Mr Mattingley was also a founding director of Gala Leisure.

Advertisement

At Playtech, he has overseen a frenetic period of corporate activity while also finding himself in the eye of a series of storms with shareholders over boardroom pay and wider corporate governance.

The most recent of those came in December when close to a third of investors rebelled over a €100m bonus plan for Mor Weizer, the company’s chief executive, along with other senior executives.

Shareholders give Mr Mattingley credit, however, for helping to navigate the company through a challenging period in the gambling industry, in particular his role last year in securing the sale of Snaitech, its Italian consumer gambling arm, for €2.3bn.

That represented a nearly threefold return on Playtech’s initial investment in the business, triggering total returns to shareholders of up to €1.8bn – a sum almost equivalent to all of the special dividends paid by London-listed companies in 2023.

The sale of Snaitech will transform Playtech into a pure-play business-to-business operation.

Advertisement

During Mr Mattingley’s three-and-a-half year tenure, shares in the company have risen by about 60%.

CT Interactive is marking a resounding success following its participation in last week’s ICE 2025 trade show. As a global iGaming provider of innovative gaming solutions, the company used the event to solidify its market presence, seal new partnerships, unveil new gaming content and engage in productive discussions about its ambitious growth plans.

CT Interactive’s showcase at ICE Gaming 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its partners by expanding its portfolio of games available for their platforms. The company’s efforts to release fresh and engaging content have already been met with enthusiasm, setting the stage for stronger collaborations and greater player satisfaction.

Another highlight of the event was the company’s announcement about its impending certification for the Brazilian market. This milestone will enable CT Interactive to officially enter one of Latin America’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions.

Advertisement

“We’re thrilled about the opportunities Brazil offers. We have prepared a games list designed to resonate with the preferences of Brazilian players, and we’re eager to bring our portfolio to this exciting market,” Martin Ivanov, COO of CT Interactive, said.

ICE Gaming 2025 also provided an excellent platform for CT Interactive to explore growth opportunities in Eastern Europe. With its strong regulatory framework and growing appetite for online gaming, Ukraine featured prominently in the company’s discussions. CT Interactive is about to conclude a deal with a local partner, significantly boosting its presence in this emerging market.

“The Ukrainian market holds tremendous potential, and we’re keen to expand our footprint there. We are confident that our diverse portfolio of high-quality games will meet the expectations of operators and players alike,” Martin Ivanov said.

The company’s new game releases were another highlight of its ICE Gaming presence. CT Interactive’s cutting-edge titles, designed with captivating visuals and engaging gameplay, were met with widespread acclaim. These releases are expected to captivate players and drive significant revenue growth for its operator partners.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Martin Ivanov stated that CT Interactive’s participation allowed it to strengthen its relationships with partners, explore untapped opportunities and reinforce its position in the gaming industry.

Advertisement

“The show was an incredible opportunity to engage with our partners, showcase our innovations, and discuss strategies for mutual growth. We leave ICE Gaming 2025 energised and excited for what’s next,” Martin Ivanov added.

Quantum Gaming, a leading provider of innovative technology solutions for the iGaming industry, has announced the appointment of Phillip Pistauer as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Phillip joins the executive board, which includes CEO Oliver De Bono, and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) Soteris Varnava. Together, this dynamic leadership team is poised to drive Quantum Gaming’s vision of redefining the iGaming landscape.

Phillip Pistauer’s journey in the iGaming industry began in 2013, with a trial-by-fire experience launching a brand on the EveryMatrix platform. This early challenge required him to learn the intricacies of the industry quickly and sparked his passion for the field. Recognising the immense opportunities in iGaming, Phillip strategically relocated to Malta where he joined NetEnt during its commercial expansion.

In 2020, Phillip joined Singular, a Georgia-based company renowned for its advanced platform technology. Initially appointed as Head of Account Management, he later transitioned to Head of Platform following Singular’s acquisition by Flutter International.

Advertisement

As part of Singular’s growth strategy, Phillip assumed the role of Head of Product in March 2024, further solidifying his reputation as a forward-thinking leader in iGaming.

Oliver De Bono, CEO of Quantum Gaming, said: “Phillip has a rare mix of operational expertise and vision for innovation. He’s been through every level of this industry, and it shows in the way he approaches challenges. We’re thrilled to have him on board as we gear up for some big moves this year.”

Among several exciting initiatives within the company, Quantum Gaming is also working on integrating AI-driven solutions to further enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. This AI project, along with others, reflects the company’s commitment to staying ahead of industry trends.

In addition to Phillip’s appointment, Quantum Gaming is expanding its leadership team further with the upcoming addition of a Head of Affiliation, Head of QA, Head of Finance and Head of Sales. These new roles reflect the company’s commitment to strengthening its operations and building a robust foundation for future growth.

Soteris Varnava, CRO of Quantum Gaming, said: “Having Phillip on the team gives us an incredible advantage. He brings a fresh perspective and a proven ability to get things done. With the new leadership hires we’re making, 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for Quantum Gaming.”

Advertisement