PokerStars CEO Harrington To Lead Flutter in the UK and Ireland

Kevin Harrington, the current CEO of PokerStars, has been appointed as the new head of Flutter Entertainment’s UK and Ireland division. He will take over the role in January 2025, succeeding Ian Brown, who is stepping down to explore new opportunities.

Organizational Restructuring

Harrington’s promotion follows Flutter’s organizational restructuring, which was designed to streamline its global operations. This includes combining its UK, Ireland, and Australian divisions into a unified international segment under Dan Taylor’s leadership.

Harrington’s Background

Harrington has been with the B2C online gaming giant for over a decade:

• Started as UK commercial director at Betfair in 2011

• Took leadership roles at both Betfair and Paddy Power after their 2015 merger

• Joined PokerStars in 2020 as CCO, later becoming CEO in 2023

His extensive experience in the industry and familiarity with Flutter’s business make him a strong choice for leading UK and Ireland operations.

Outgoing Leadership

Outgoing CEO Brown leaves behind a record of success in a challenging market marked by regulatory tightening.

• Drove growth and innovation during his tenure

• Earned praise from Flutter’s Chief Executive, Peter Jackson, for transformative impact

• Expressed confidence in Harrington’s ability to build on this momentum

Strategic Impact

This leadership continuity is expected to benefit Flutter’s strategic initiatives, particularly as it navigates a rapidly evolving gaming landscape.

• Focus on innovation and player protection

• Ability to adapt to regulatory demands

• Strong ethical foundation supporting growth

Global Strategy

Flutter’s decision to reorganize aligns with its broader growth strategy. The international segment will now be divided into five key regions:

• UK and Ireland

• Asia-Pacific

• Southern Europe and Africa

• Central and Eastern Europe

• Brazil

This move aims to enhance efficiency and strengthen Flutter’s market position globally.

Looking Ahead

Harrington stated his commitment to maintaining Flutter’s leadership in the UK and Ireland by continuing its focus on customer innovation and ethical practices. His appointment signals a new chapter for the company as it seeks to expand responsibly in an evolving gaming landscape.

Conclusion: With Kevin Harrington at the helm, Flutter’s UK and Ireland division gains a leader deeply rooted in the company’s history and vision. His track record, combined with Flutter’s global restructuring, positions the operator to balance growth, compliance, and innovation in the years ahead.