888 has hired technology expert and entrepreneur Anna Barsby in the newly combined role of chief product and technology officer (CPTO).
Barsby arrives at the London-listed operator from Tessiant, a management consultancy where she served as managing partner after founding the business in 2020.
She boasts extensive experience in C-level roles at other FTSE 100 firms, including as chief technology director of Morrisons supermarket and as chief information officer at Halfords.Other blue-chip companies on her CV include TUI, Whitbread and Aviva.
“Anna is a digital expert with a huge breadth of experience in digital transformation and integration,” said 888 in a statement.
“She led significant transformative projects for companies including Morrisons and Halfords, including as CIO at the latter, as it went through a period of award-winning digital transformation.
“The company took significant market share as a result, alongside integrating a new service and brand.”
888: “Anna is a digital expert with a huge breadth of experience in digital transformation and integration.”
During a November Capital Markets Day event, 888 said it would set out its strategy for integrating William Hill’s non-US assets, including the international business and Mr Green.
888 acquired the business from Caesars Entertainment in July 2022 for £1.95bn and the integration of the two businesses will be Barsby’s main priority in her new role.888 CEO Itai Pazner said: “We are delighted to welcome Anna to our new executive leadership team, where she will play a pivotal role in driving forward the key area of technology integration as part of our transformational combination with William Hill.
“Her significant experience and expertise will be invaluable as we seek to unlock the significant potential of our two highly complementary businesses, and we very much look forward to working with her,” he added.
Barsby is currently a non-executive director at the Cumberland Building Society and an external adviser to Bain & Company.