888 recruits Flutter transformation lead as new chief strategy officer

888 has appointed Vaughan Lewis to the newly created role of chief strategy officer (CSO). A former SVP of communications at The Stars Group (TSG) prior to its multi-billion-pound merger with Flutter, Lewis previously served as a corporate development director at Sky Betting & Gaming (SBG). Post-merger, Lewis had been working in Flutter’s International business on PokerStars and Betfair in conjunction with Dan Taylor, who was appointed Flutter International CEO in August. Lewis left Flutter in July. Before joining SBG in 2017, Lewis served as an equity research analyst at Morgan Stanley, specialising in betting and gaming companies. He holds a BA in economics. In his new role as 888 CSO, he will work with CEO Itai Pazner to support 888’s long-term strategy and will be responsible for business development, including M&A activity. Lewis will also oversee the investor relations department, working closely with new CFO Yariv Dafna, who joined 888 in November. “We are delighted to welcome Vaughan as 888’s first CSO,” Pazner said. “Vaughan is a highly experienced gaming industry professional with a wealth of relevant expertise across both strategic development and investor relations. “I have no doubt that his skills and background will support 888 to identify and deliver further growth opportunities over the coming years,” the 888 CEO added. Lewis will officially join 888 in early 2021. “888 is a company I have long admired, since my time as an equity analyst,” Lewis said. “I am delighted to join a great team and to help drive forward the compelling growth opportunities that lie ahead,” he added. 888 is active in the M&A market, with Pazner revealing to EGR a potential interest in acquiring the non-US assets of William Hill, once Caesars Entertainment completes its £2.9bn takeover of the London-listed bookmaker. 888 reported a 37% rise in revenue for H1 2020.