Exclusive: Bede Gaming appoints ex-Entain head as CEO
Colin Cole-Johnson joins lottery and gaming supplier after more than 20 years in the industry
Bede Gaming has appointed former Entain director Colin Cole-Johnson as the supplier’s new CEO.
Cole-Johnson joins the Newcastle upon Tyne-based firm from Entain, where he spent two-and-a-half years as gaming product director.
Cole-Johnson will assume the role of CEO on 4 April. Bede Gaming’s current MD, Alex Butcher, will become a non-executive director at the firm.
Cole-Johnson served as Ladbrokes director of gaming for 13 years before joining William Hill in 2008, culminating in his role as director of customer intelligence.
Prior to his time at Entain, Cole-Johnson was group director for digital and cross channel services at Rank Group from September 2014 until June 2019.
Speaking on his appointment, Cole-Johnson said: “It’s a proud moment for me. Bede is a company that I’ve gotten to know well and admire over a significant period, so this is a brilliant opportunity to join and lead a strong team with a proven track record.
“Their achievements over recent years speak for themselves and the potential for the future is really exciting,” he added.
Joe Saumarez Smith, Bede Gaming chair, commented: “We are delighted that Colin has agreed to become CEO of Bede. He is an industry leading executive with a proven track record at some of the biggest gaming companies in the world.”