Chris Welch Retires as LeoVegas CCO

Chris Welch, one of the most influential figures in the iGaming world, has officially announced his retirement as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at LeoVegas. After decades of shaping global gambling brands, Welch steps back, reflecting on a career that spans the early internet poker boom to the modern digital casino era.

Welch announced his retirement through an emotional LinkedIn post, highlighting the journey that took him from non-gaming brands like Andrex and Pot Noodle to becoming a marketing director at Coral in 1999. That move, which he credits to the persuasion of then-CEO Vaughn Ashdown, launched him into the online gambling industry just as the internet was transforming global entertainment.

Throughout the 2000s, Welch played pivotal roles at PokerStars and Partygaming, two giants that defined the online poker explosion. His time alongside industry legends like Isai Scheinberg and Jim Ryan solidified his reputation as a skilled executive and strategic thinker.

Later, Welch contributed to the growth of Catena Media, holding senior roles like VP of Sports and VP of International Division. In 2021, he joined LeoVegas initially as a consultant before stepping into the CCO role in September 2022.

Welch’s departure marks more than just a career shift—it closes a landmark chapter for LeoVegas. Welch praised the company’s unique culture, nurtured by Co-Founder and CEO Gustaf Hagman, and celebrated his colleagues, suppliers, partners, and affiliates who helped drive success.

For those watching from inside the gambling industry, Welch’s retirement underscores the importance of leadership grounded in collaboration, adaptability, and innovation. While Welch plans to explore non-executive director and consulting opportunities, he’s clear about one thing: it’s time to pause and enjoy life after years in the executive trenches.

Industry professionals and rising leaders can reflect on Welch’s legacy: building sustainable success, fostering deep partnerships, and leading through times of explosive growth and change. His journey offers valuable lessons for anyone aiming to make a mark in the competitive and evolving iGaming landscape.

Chris Welch Retires: Closing a Defining Chapter in LeoVegas and Global iGaming

Key Points

• Major Career Milestone: Chris Welch retires as LeoVegas CCO, ending a transformative executive journey across the iGaming world.
• Industry Impact: Welch’s leadership shaped companies like PokerStars, Partygaming, Catena Media, and LeoVegas.
• Next Steps: Welch seeks non-executive and consulting roles but plans to take personal time post-retirement.

A Closer Look at Chris Welch’s Impactful Career

Chris Welch’s iGaming journey began at a pivotal moment—the dawn of the internet gambling era. After transitioning from consumer brands like Andrex and Pot Noodle, Welch joined Coral in 1999, just as online betting started reshaping global entertainment.

His influence deepened during the 2000s, when Welch became a key player at PokerStars and Partygaming, two companies that defined the online poker boom. Working alongside Isai Scheinberg at PokerStars, Welch helped scale the business into a powerhouse, and at Partygaming, he navigated the fierce competition that shaped the online gambling market’s early years.

Welch’s later work at Catena Media added another layer of depth, where he helped strengthen the affiliate giant’s sports and international divisions. His move to LeoVegas in 2021, first as a consultant and then as CCO, marked the final major chapter of his executive career.

Reflecting on his time at LeoVegas, Welch emphasized the company’s unique culture and the remarkable people he worked alongside:

“It has been more than just a job; it’s been a defining last chapter in my executive career. I will remember the good times, the moments that mattered, but most of all, I will remember the people who made the magic happen.”

Welch extended heartfelt thanks to his C-level colleagues, commercial leadership team, suppliers, partners, and affiliates. His message was clear: behind every business success stands a network of talented, dedicated people.

While stepping down from the day-to-day, Welch isn’t closing the door on the industry entirely. He expressed interest in non-executive and consulting roles, signaling that his expertise will likely continue to benefit the iGaming world, even if from a more relaxed position.

Chris Welch’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the iGaming industry. From shaping some of the sector’s most iconic brands to fostering innovative teams at LeoVegas, Welch leaves behind a legacy defined by adaptability, leadership, and industry transformation. As Welch steps back to enjoy life’s next phase, his influence remains a blueprint for success and resilience in an industry that never stops evolving.