Former CEO 888Holdings - Strategy & Business Acceleration - Leadership Building - Marketing Expert

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Visions into Reality – Meet
Itai Pazner

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We don't see ourselves as a takeover target, says CEO of 888 Holdings

Itai Pazner, CEO of 888 Casino Interview at ICE VOX 2020

Interview with 888 Holdings chief executive Itai Pazner

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Itai Pazner is so eager to get his hands on William Hill’s European business, he’s been going undercover on a guerrilla tour of its bookies in recent weeks. “They don’t know me, I’m still anonymous,” grins Pazner, chief executive of online gambling company 888.

I am Itai Pazner...

a seasoned and international executive with a focus on digital-led B2C organizations in the online gaming verticals of Casino, Poker, Sports betting, and Bingo. My multifaceted expertise encompasses successful leadership in mergers and acquisitions for renowned companies such as William Hill, Betbright, Sports Illustrated Sports Book, and 888Africa JV. Proficient in both offline and online marketing strategies, I have executed branding, performance marketing, sponsorships, and social network leveraging. I ensured the seamless assimilation of Betbright and William Hill, optimizing synergies. A strategic planner for market penetration and market share expansion, I oversaw a team of 600+ technology professionals in developing cutting-edge proprietary products. In the realm of regulations and compliance, I boast extensive experience in 19 regulated markets, ensuring compliance with strict licensing regimes, and hold personal licenses in all jurisdictions.

My Impact As CEO

In my first 3 years as CEO, the company's revenue grew from $570,000,00 to $970,000,00 and EBITDA from $92,000,000 to $165,000,00. Additionally, I mobilised the company during COVID to 100% remote work while continuing to scale the business. I orchestrated a pivotal partnership between 888 Holdings and Sports Illustrated, an iconic American brand, to create a local gaming and sportsbook. This facilitated the company's continued expansion in the US market. Through this collaboration, 888's users gained access to Sports Illustrated content on the 888 platform. Reflecting on this partnership, I expressed confidence in our platform's potential for growth in the US, leveraging world-class technology and operational expertise.

In the last year of my tenure I have accomplished a long term ambition of the companies board and shareholders and completed an transformational acquisition of the international assets of William hill a leading UK sport book and gaming company through a reverse merger.

Professional Achievements

With over two decades of experience in the online gaming industry, I've served as a seasoned executive, playing a pivotal role in the growth and success of 888 Holdings. Throughout my 22-year time with the company, I held various positions, starting as a marketing executive and progressing to roles such as Senior Vice President Head of B2C division, COO, and ultimately, CEO. In these capacities, I oversaw profit and loss, marketing, business development, product & technology, and operations.

Under my guidance, 888 Holdings achieved significant milestones, including the acquisition of William Hill from Caesars Entertainment in 2021, involving all non-US assets for $2.35 billion. Additionally, I led a comprehensive group integration and cost reduction initiative, successfully achieving a target of GBP 150 million.

Education

My academic journey includes attending The College of Management Academic Studies from 1994 to 1998, followed by advanced studies at the London Business School in 2005-2006.

Today

Now, my journey in the business world has taken a new direction. Transitioning from the CEO role, I've embraced the position angel investor in startups, an executive advisor to scaling companies with ambitious growth plans and a coach to ambitious founders and executives . In this dynamic phase of my career, I bring a wealth of experience to support and guide businesses, fostering innovation and success in the ever-evolving landscape of digital-led B2C organizations.