Amid ongoing executive reshuffling and shareholder pressure, Entain investors are increasingly pushing for interim CEO Stella David to assume the role permanently. As one of the largest gaming conglomerates in the world—owning Ladbrokes, Coral, and BetMGM—Entain has experienced a tumultuous leadership stretch, and investors see David as a stabilizing force.
A Familiar Face During Uncertainty
Stella David was first appointed as interim CEO in late 2023 following the abrupt resignation of then-CEO Jette Nygaard-Andersen. Her recent return in early 2025, after Gavin Isaacs’ short-lived tenure, has reaffirmed investor confidence in her ability to lead through crisis. David also served as Entain’s Chair, giving her a deep understanding of both governance and operational strategy.
Governance Dilemma & Ongoing Search
Despite the growing investor support, the UK Corporate Governance Code advises against one person holding both Chair and CEO positions. To address this, Entain has accelerated its search for a new independent chair, which could clear the path for David to accept the CEO role permanently without violating best practice guidelines.
Strategic Leadership Needed Amid Challenges
Entain is grappling with several major hurdles. These include reputational fallout from a £615 million deferred prosecution agreement in the UK over historic bribery violations in Turkey, and ongoing regulatory scrutiny in Australia related to AML compliance. The company has also seen a steep 19% drop in share value in 2025 alone, making investor confidence in stable leadership more crucial than ever.
What’s at Stake
Investors argue David’s operational continuity and calm leadership could help restore Entain’s public and regulatory image. While the board has yet to confirm her full-time appointment, internal support suggests a permanent role may be imminent—potentially bringing long-awaited steadiness to a company at a critical crossroads.
