Betsson’s Kickertech arm appoints ex-TonyBet head as CEO
Laimonas Žukas confirmed as B2B subsidiary’s new boss as he makes a return to the gambling industry after almost five years away
Betsson-owned Kickertech has named former TonyBet exec Laimonas Žukas as the supplier’s new CEO.
Žukas returns to the gambling sector to head up Kickertech, having served as COO for health and wellness platform Kilo Health since September 2019.
The new Kickertech boss boasts a wealth of C-suite industry experience, having spent time as TG LAB’s COO between October 2016 and May 2019.
Žukas also had a spell on the B2C side of the sector, joining TonyBet as chief information officer in May 2012.
In April 2014, he was promoted to COO before departing in October 2016. Žukas remained on the TonyBet board of directors until 2019.
Speaking on joining Kickertech, Žukas said: “A few weeks ago, I accepted the CEO role at Kickertech, and I’m already warming up in the new seat.
“[I’m] excited to bring my experience, work with an incredible team and test myself in this new role.”
The new CEO also confirmed the supplier was embarking on a hiring spree to add to its existing headcount of around 50 staff.
The supplier currently has partnerships in place with the likes of Polish market leader STS and Soft2Bet.
Betsson acquired an 80% majority stake in Kickertech in October 2022 from TG Holdings for a total consideration of €14m.
The deal was split into three tranches, with €6m paid up front and the remaining €8m split into two separate payments.
As per Betsson’s Q2 earnings report, the Swedish operator’s B2B revenue amounted to €70.6m, up from €65m in Q2 2023.
The majority of Betsson’s B2B business is driven by Kickertech.
The report reads: “Betsson added new customers and further sportsbook trading capabilities through the acquisition of Kickertech in 2022.
“Continuous improvements and investments into the sportsbook and casino products have strengthened the group’s B2B offering.”
Betsson is looking to expand its B2B offering with the acquisition of Sporting Solutions from La Française des Jeux, with the deal announced last month.
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.