Industry veteran leaves legacy of leadership, innovation, and culture-building
A Respected Industry Voice Departs
Phil Pearson, one of the most recognizable figures in iGaming, has officially stepped down as CEO of White Label Casinos, capping off a near nine-year journey that began when he joined the iGaming Group in 2017. Initially hired as Head of Sales, Pearson’s tenure was marked by rapid learning, candid leadership, and an unapologetically human approach to the challenges of the industry.
The charismatic executive transitioned into the CEO role in 2023, following the split of iGaming Group into independent units, including the newly formed White Label Casinos. During his time at the helm, Pearson led the company through regulatory hurdles, market growth, and internal cultural transformation.
Humble Beginnings and Career Milestones
Pearson’s own reflections on his journey underscore his evolution. Admitting that his first role was “way over [his] head,” he threw himself into the job, learning not only the ins and outs of the iGaming space but also embracing the reality that the industry evolves faster than most can keep up.
Among his proudest achievements were victories against Swedish regulators, significant financial growth, and the embedding of a workplace culture rooted in inclusion, knowledge-sharing, and internal promotion. For Pearson, the people mattered as much as the numbers.
Beyond strategy and operations, his unfiltered style and unorthodox office anecdotes—like breaking a toe in a raft, calling immigration to stop a staff deportation, and convincing colleagues not to invest in weed farms—cemented his reputation as a leader with both edge and empathy.
Looking Forward: Sandwiches and Sanctuaries
Pearson’s next chapter is as open as it is unconventional. He’s planning to take time off, “watch cricket,” and focus on personal ambitions, which may include starting an animal sanctuary, a sandwich shop, or potentially both—“with very defined food safety guidelines,” he jokes.
His departure comes just as White Label Casinos unveiled a new sportsbook platform, signaling continued innovation at the company post-Pearson. While his next professional move remains uncertain, his presence will no doubt be missed across the iGaming sector.
Legacy Beyond the C-Suite
Phil Pearson exits not just as a CEO, but as a symbol of resilience, self-taught leadership, and personality-driven success in a high-pressure industry. His time at White Label Casinos reflected a broader ethos: take the work seriously, but never lose your sense of humour—or humanity.
His impact will echo through the teams he built, the policies he shaped, and the stories that will live long in the memory of an industry often lacking such authentic voices.
