BoyleSports hires Vlad Kaltenieks as CEO amid takeover rumours

BoyleSports hires Vlad Kaltenieks as CEO amid takeover rumours

Vlad Kaltenieks has announced his new role as the CEO of BoyleSports, taking leadership of the Irish bookmaker at a potentially pivotal moment for its commercial future. 

An industry veteran, Kaltenieks has held positions at William Hill and Betsson Group, working as Global Director of Data, Analytics and Digital (UK Online & Retail, Int and US) at the former and as Director of Digital and Data at the latter.

He joins BoyleSports ‘early next year’, as the firm continues to expand its retail operations, and also as rumours circulate regarding a potential takeover of the company, first circulated by the Irish Independent in October.

Confirming his appointment as ‘Designated Chief Executive Officer’ on Linkedin, Kaltenieks said: “I am deeply honoured to be asked to lead BoyleSports early next year. Over the years the company has grown into a successful business, with its own technology and experienced team, and I am very optimistic for our next chapter.”

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kaltenieks_boylesports-appoints-new-chief-executive-activity-7011376245930135552-f3ti?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

The new CEO also shared an RTE article on his appointment, in which BoyleSports Founder John Boyle was quoted as praising Kaltenieks’ experience of leadership roles in competitive gaming environments.

“Vlad will bring to bear exceptional expertise in using digital technologies to drive innovation and in the use of focussed marketing to deliver growth,” Boyle remarked.

“Having worked almost exclusively in highly-regulated environments he also brings with him particular experience in adapting to regulatory changes.”

Kaltenieks’ hiring by the Dundalk-based firm ends a long recruitment search after former CEO Mark Kemp departed the company in February of this year after just 10 months in the role. 

Kemp would then join DAZN Bet as the first CEO of the sports streaming service DAZN’s newly launched betting arm, which made its debut in the UK in August.

In Kemp’s absence, BoyleSports has continued pursuing its own strategy of retail expansion in the UK and Ireland over the past two years, opening a number of venues at regional locations in Great Britain.

The company has opened eight new shops in the UK since April, bringing its total retail holding in the country to 29, with an additional two in the Isle of Man.

Meanwhile, it remains the largest independent bookmaker in its founding market of Ireland, where it operates 350 shops and employs 2,500 people.

Speaking to SBC News after the opening of a venue in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire the company’s Director of Property and Retail, Lee Otter, explained the BoyleSports’ strategy for choosing new locations. 

“We select locations following extensive assessment of the location, the wider area and the current offering in terms of retail betting shops,” he said.

“Where we identify a gap in the market for a good quality independent bookmaker and there is a healthy betting market, we look to secure the right unit in the right pitch to cater for that demand.”

Source: SBC News