Leadership Change Follows Strong Shareholder Backing at 2025 AGM
German lottery provider Zeal has announced a major leadership transition, naming Carola Gräfin von Schmettow as the new Chairwoman of its Supervisory Board. The decision was formalized at the company’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), where she officially succeeded Peter Steiner, who stepped down after serving 12 years on the board—eight of them as Chair.
Gräfin von Schmettow, who joined the Supervisory Board in November 2024, brings nearly three decades of financial and strategic leadership experience, having spent 29 years at HSBC Germany, including 17 years on its Management Board. She holds a degree in mathematics from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, underscoring her analytical and data-driven approach to governance.
AGM Approves €2.40 Dividend Payout for 2024
Alongside the leadership transition, Zeal shareholders approved a combined dividend of €2.40 ($2.60) per share for the 2024 financial year. This includes a basic dividend of €1.30 and a special dividend of €1.10, reflecting the company’s strong financial position and commitment to shareholder returns.
The AGM saw approximately 71% of voting share capital represented, with all proposed resolutions passed without contest, signaling strong shareholder confidence in the company’s direction and management.
Peter Steiner Honoured for Strategic Stewardship
Outgoing Chairman Peter Steiner was praised for his long-standing contributions to Zeal’s development. Since joining the Supervisory Board in 2013 and becoming Chairman in 2017, Steiner has been instrumental in shaping Zeal’s strategic roadmap and upholding corporate governance.
Helmut Becker, CEO of Zeal, stated:
“Peter was a strategic compass, an anchor of integrity and a person who accompanied Zeal with foresight and passion. On behalf of Zeal, I would like to sincerely thank him for his valuable work and wish him all the best for the future.”
Strategic Growth and Portfolio Expansion Continue
The Supervisory Board transition follows Zeal’s recent partnership with Gamomat, designed to enhance its gaming portfolio in the German market. As Zeal continues to evolve from a traditional lottery operator to a broader digital gaming player, experienced leadership like Gräfin von Schmettow’s is seen as pivotal.
Founded in 1999, Zeal currently serves over one million active customers, making it one of Germany’s leading lottery and gaming providers. The company’s focus on innovation, responsible gaming, and shareholder value remains at the heart of its corporate strategy moving into the second half of 2025.
