William Hill owner 888 hires new boss after tumultuous search

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy William Hill owner 888 has appointed Per Widerstrom as chief executive, ending a tumultuous leadership search after its former boss stepped down in January amid internal investigations over money laundering failures. Per not only understands the power and exciting potential of the business, but the board is also very pleased with his strong record and reputation on governance and compliance 888 executive chairman Lord Mendelsohn The group was in talks about appointing three gambling industry veterans to take over at the helm, but revealed earlier this month that its licence to operate in Britain was under review after the Gambling Commission stepped in to halt the leadership bid. As well as being an energetic and inspiring leader, Per brings nearly two decades of highly relevant industry expertise into the role 888 executive chairman Lord Mendelsohn Lord Mendelsohn said: “Per has extensive experience in both public and private companies, and a long track record with a proven ability to execute value-creation plans. “As well as being an energetic and inspiring leader, Per brings nearly two decades of highly relevant industry expertise into the role.” He added: “Per not only understands the power and exciting potential of the business, but the board is also very pleased with his strong record and reputation on governance and compliance.” The group will be hoping to put compliance issues behind it after it was hit with a £9.4 million fine by the UK’s Gambling Commission in 2022 for social responsibility and money laundering failings.