Dafne Guisard Appointed as Entain COO

Entain has announced the appointment of Dafne Guisard as Chief Operations Officer (COO), a strategic move to enhance the company’s growth and innovation. With extensive experience in global strategy and digital transformation, Guisard will lead Entain’s operations, focusing on strategic planning, M&A integration, and customer-centric initiatives. Set to begin her role in January 2024, Guisard’s expertise is expected to drive Entain’s competitive edge as it expands and strengthens its market presence. Explore how this leadership change aligns with Entain’s ambitious goals for a transformative year ahead.

Dafne Guisard Joins Entain as New COO to Lead Global Strategy and Operational Growth

Entain, a leading name in the global gaming and sports betting industry, has appointed Dafne Guisard as its new Chief Operations Officer (COO), effective January 13, 2024. Guisard brings to the role a rich background in strategic leadership and digital transformation, previously serving as the Chief Strategy, Transformation, and Digital Officer at The Kraft Heinz Company. During her three years with Kraft Heinz, Guisard led the development and execution of long-term growth strategies, spearheading initiatives that reshaped operational models and advanced digital capabilities across the organization.

In her new role as COO, Guisard will report directly to Entain CEO Gavin Isaacs, and she will play a pivotal role in global strategic planning and operational leadership. Her responsibilities will include leading M&A integrations, enhancing customer service strategies, and guiding the company’s digital transformation initiatives. Guisard’s appointment reflects Entain’s commitment to bringing in seasoned leaders who can drive innovation and position the company for sustained growth.

Key Highlights of Dafne Guisard’s Appointment

1. Bringing Cross-Industry Executive Experience
   Guisard’s appointment as Entain’s COO brings fresh perspective and executive experience from diverse industries, making her well-suited to drive Entain’s growth ambitions. With a background that includes high-level strategy and transformation roles at Kraft Heinz, Guisard is experienced in managing complex operations and implementing future-focused strategies. Her cross-industry experience positions her to effectively navigate the unique challenges and opportunities in the global gaming sector.
2. Driving Digital Transformation and Innovation
   As a former Chief Strategy, Transformation, and Digital Officer, Guisard led digital transformation efforts at Kraft Heinz, developing and implementing long-term growth models. She is expected to apply her expertise in digital transformation to Entain, where technological innovation is essential for staying competitive. Entain’s CEO, Gavin Isaacs, commented, “Dafne brings a wealth of experience in driving strategic growth and delivering transformation on a global scale.” Her appointment, Isaacs noted, will help Entain stay at the forefront of industry innovation.
3. Aligning with Entain’s Ambitious Growth Strategy
   Entain has seen impressive financial growth and engagement levels across its markets, notably in Olympic and NFL betting in 2024. Recently reporting an 8% increase in Net Gaming Revenue (NGR) in Q3 2024, Entain is building on a strong growth trajectory. Guisard’s leadership will be instrumental in strengthening the company’s operational framework as it enters new markets and expands existing ones. By focusing on strategic alignment and efficient M&A integration, Guisard aims to build on Entain’s better-than-expected financial performance and drive forward-looking initiatives.

Entain’s Focus on Strategic Growth and Market Expansion

With Guisard’s appointment, Entain is reinforcing its executive team during a pivotal growth phase. CEO Gavin Isaacs emphasized that Guisard will be a “tremendous asset,” helping to position Entain as an industry leader known for innovation, customer-centricity, and operational excellence. This focus on leadership development is part of a broader strategy by Entain to achieve greater market penetration and optimize customer engagement through data-driven insights and digital advancements.

Entain’s performance this year has been marked by significant milestones, including record engagement in Olympic betting and the highest-ever NFL betting figures from the UK and Ireland. As the company prepares for new opportunities in 2024, having a seasoned COO like Guisard will provide the operational stability and strategic foresight needed to meet its goals in a highly competitive landscape.

Dafne Guisard’s appointment as COO signifies Entain’s commitment to reinforcing its leadership with seasoned executives who can drive strategic growth and operational transformation. Her extensive experience in digital strategy and operational efficiency aligns with Entain’s focus on sustainable growth, customer engagement, and innovation. As Guisard steps into her new role in January, she will be integral to Entain’s ambitious plans for 2024 and beyond, helping to shape the company’s future as a market leader in the dynamic global gaming industry.