Conor Grant to leave Flutter’s Irish and UK division

Conor Grant is leaving as head of Flutter’s UK & Ireland division, which includes bookie Paddy Power and betting exchange Betfair.

Irish-headquartered Flutter said on Wednesday that Mr Grant is leaving before the end of the year for a career break and to spend more time with his family following more than 20 years in online betting.

Ian Brown, former chief executive of travel website booking.com’s trips division and senior partner with consultancy Oliver Wyman, will succeed Mr Grant.

He takes responsibility for Paddy Power, Betfair, Sky Betting and Gaming and bingo website Tombola in the Republic and the UK. Flutter confirmed that Mr Brown would join in September and will work with Mr Grant to “ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities”.

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Mr Grant joined Sky Betting and Gaming 12 years ago, overseeing its sale to Canadian operator, The Stars Group, which merged with Flutter in 2020.

Since then he has consolidated Flutter’s Irish and British businesses, completed the takeover of Tombola and responded to the UK government’s review of gambling legislation.

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Mr Grant told the group of his decision to take a career break some months ago. In a statement, he said Flutter’s market-leading businesses, talented workers and approach to safer gambling set it apart.

“I have no doubt the business is in good hands and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow sustainably and responsibly into the future,” he added.

Peter Jackson, Flutter’s chief executive, wished Mr Grant well for the future, adding that he was sorry to see him leave.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Conor and will personally miss his sound commercial judgment and keen eye for business opportunities,” he said.

Mr Jackson noted that Mr Brown brought broad experience of leading online businesses with him to the group. Mr Brown said he was delighted to be joining Flutter’s Irish and UK business in September.

Separately, the group recently confirmed that it intends to close 13 Paddy Power bookie shops as their businesses failed to recover following Covid lockdown closures, which pushed more customers online. Most are in Dublin but they also include bookies in Kildare, Louth, Cork and Monaghan. Most workers will be redeployed to other outlets, but Flutter confirmed the move would lead to a small number of job losses.

Flutter says well-invested betting shops remain an important part of its business. It has 270 outlets in the Republic.