Conor Grant has resigned as chief executive of Flutter’s UK and Ireland business for a “planned career break”, with former Booking.com division CEO Ian Brown to be appointed as his replacement.
Grant will leave the business before the end of the year for a planned career break to spend more time with his family after more than 20 years in the online gambling sector.
He has been CEO of Flutter UK and Ireland since July 2020, following the merger of Flutter and The Stars Group, shortly after the latter acquired Sky Betting & Gaming, where Grant worked at the time.
Grant joined Sky Betting & Gaming in August 2010, first serving as its head of sportsbook product management before going on to hold a number of other roles including managing director for Sky Gaming and chief operating officer of the business.
Brown (pictured) will join Flutter in September, assuming responsibility for the Paddy Power, Sky Betting and Gaming, Betfair and Tombola brands in the UK and Ireland.
He joins the operator after a spell as chief executive of tech service owner UKFast, prior to which he was CEO of Booking.com’s Trips division, which includes the Rentalcars.com brand.
Brown will work with Grant for a short period to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities.
“I have followed the impressive story of Flutter and its brands for many years now, and I am delighted to be joining the UK&I business in September,” Brown said. “Flutter has a fantastic portfolio of iconic brands and I look forward to helping develop their leadership position in the online entertainment space.”
Flutter chief executive Peter Jackson added: “I am delighted to welcome a leader of Ian’s calibre to our executive team. He brings with him broad experience leading online businesses from a range of sectors, including travel, hospitality, business services, and financial services.
“He has been responsible for successful transformations in multiple large businesses, including global brands Booking.com and Rentalcars.com, building scalable tech platforms and organisations with a deep customer focus on ease, accessibility and safety to drive growth.”
Grant welcomed the appointment of Brown, saying the business will be in good hands moving forward.
“I have been immensely proud to lead the UK&I business through such a momentous period for both Flutter and the wider industry,” Grant said. “Flutter’s market leading brands, talented team and approach to safer gambling are what sets the business apart.
“I have no doubt that the business is in good hands and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow sustainably and responsibly into the future.”
Jackson added: “I would like to thank Conor for his significant contribution to Flutter. His work on the strategic vision and direction of our UK&I business has set us in great stead for the future, and his passion and determination to put our customers’ safety at the heart of what we do has anchored our industry-leading Play Well strategy.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Conor and will personally miss his sound commercial judgement and keen eye for business opportunities. I’m sorry to see him leave but wish him well for the future.”
