Sun International has named Ulrik Bengtsson as the CEO designate from July 1 after the early retirement of its current chief Anthony Leeming.
The group announced on Monday that Leeming had formally given notice that he would retire from Sun International with effect from the end of December 2025 to pursue various personal opportunities outside the group.
Leeming joined Sun International in 1999 as group finance manager before assuming the role as CFO in 2013. In February 2017 he was appointed as group CEO.
Sun International said his achievements during his eight-year tenure of leading the group included “his decisive leadership while navigating the business through the Covid-19 pandemic, the recapitalisation and degearing of the group’s balance sheet, strides to optimise the portfolio of assets and enhance operational performance, the entry and growth of Sun International into the online gaming market, and an unwavering focus on enhancing the customer experience at the group’s properties, including the iconic Sun City.”
The group also announced that after a comprehensive global search, internationally renowned gaming executive Bengtsson, had been appointed CEO from July 1 or earlier, depending on his securing a work permit.
Bengtsson, a Swedish national, has been CEO of international listed companies and consumer services groups across gaming, betting, broadcasting and telecom for nearly 20 years.
“He brings a proven track record of driving business transformations, scaling omnichannel platform businesses, both organically and through M&A, as well as in-depth knowledge of the global land-based and online gaming markets,” Sun International said.
He was previously the CEO of UK-based gaming group William Hill, where he turned the company around, and led the sale of the group to Caesars Entertainment in the US for £2.9bn and the subsequent sale of William Hill’s European assets to 888 Holdings for €2.3bn.
He was also previously president and CEO of Swedish-listed online gaming group Betsson, where he doubled revenue within five years and completed multiple acquisitions.
He holds a BCom degree from Dalhousie University in Canada and is currently chair of Hostelworld, Raketech and Gamenation (UK), roles he will retire from to relocate to SA and assume the role of CEO of Sun International.
While Leeming will relinquish his role as CEO, he will remain with the company until the end of December and will work closely with Bengtsson to effect a smooth transition.
“Anthony has left an indelible mark on Sun International, and I would like to thank him for his significant contribution and dedication to the business over the last 26 years, and especially for his exemplary stewardship of the group since 2017,” Sun International chair Sam Sithole said.
“Ulrik is a highly experienced and accomplished global executive with deep industry knowledge and expertise. His proven track record to deliver results and unlock value in complex, dynamic environments, positions him extremely well to lead Sun International into its next phase of growth,” Sithole said.
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