Sun International Welcomes Ulrik Bengtsson as New CEO Amid Leadership Transition

Sun International, a South African gaming and hospitality group, has named Ulrik Bengtsson as its new CEO. He succeeds Anthony Leeming, who is retiring after a long tenure of 25 years with the organization, including the last seven years as its leader. This announcement regarding Leeming’s retirement and his replacement was made today, March 24.

Bengtsson, who has been serving as the chairperson of the affiliate and gambling marketing business Raketech, announced his departure from that position on March 20. He is set to begin his role at Sun International on July 1.

Bengtsson previously held the position of group CEO at William Hill for four years, from September 2019 to September 2022. He first joined William Hill in 2018 as its chief digital officer.

During his time at William Hill, Bengtsson was instrumental in facilitating a significant transaction where Caesars paid £2.9 billion (€3.35 billion / $4.04 billion) to take ownership of the company’s US operations. Subsequently, the European assets of William Hill, valued at €2.3 billion, were sold to Evoke’s 888 Holdings.

Sun International has indicated that it is open to potential acquisitions and previously engaged in discussions with a suitor in 2023.

Before his tenure at William Hill, Bengtsson served as CEO of the Sweden-based Betsson Group for five years, concluding in 2017.

In addition to his new role, Bengtsson holds the chair at the Hostelworld Group and City Gaming, and also provides advisory services to the consultancy firm Valluga Edge.

“Sun International is an iconic leisure group with a proud heritage, and a unique growth opportunity to become a leading omnichannel player in the rapidly evolving global gaming landscape,” Bengtsson stated in a released statement.

The outgoing CEO, Anthony Leeming, initially joined Sun International in 1999 as group finance manager and later became CFO in 2013. He has led the company since 2017.

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During his leadership, Leeming guided the company through its entry into the online market and navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Leeming is set to step down on July 1, although he may do so earlier if Bengtsson receives his work permit in time. He will remain with the group in an advisory role until the end of the year.

Sun International chairperson Sam Sithole remarked: “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 Ulrik Bengtsson