Gala Interactive MD Per Widerstrom to leave for Fortuna
Swede will leave Gala Interactive in December to lead Fortuna's new multi-channel strategy
Gala Interactive managing director Per Widerstrom has left the gaming brand to join Central European operator Fortuna Entertainment Group after almost three years in the role.
Widerstrom will assume his new role as CEO and chairman of Fortuna’s board in Q4, taking over from the outgoing Radim Haluza, who will stay with the business until the end of the year as part of the transition. He will be based at Fortuna’s headquarters in Prague.
The Fortuna Entertainment Group was established in 2009 in the Czech Republic and has grown to become the largest Central European betting firm, also operating in the Slovak, Polish and Hungarian markets.
In the first half of 2014 the company’s over net profit increased by 19% to 9m. Gross win from online betting rose 32.5% to 32.3m in H1, surpassing retail betting for the first time.
“The Fortuna Entertainment Group is very well positioned to become the undisputable leader in the regulated Central European sports betting and gaming sector with the most trusted and exciting multi-channel betting and gaming brand,” Widerstrom said.
Widerstrom joined Gala Coral in November 2011 to lead Gala’s online gaming business, and has overseen a period of sustained growth, particularly in the UK bingo market. Gala Interactive’s annual turnover is in excess of £1.7bn.
Earlier this year the company launched its first non-UK site, Gala.se, targeting the Swedish casino, bingo and poker market.
Prior to joining the Gibraltar-based brand Widerstrom served as chief operating operator of PartyGaming and chief integration officer of bwin.party at the time the two companies merged.
Speaking to eGR this afternoon, a spokesperson confirmed Widerstrom’s departure and said a process to find a his successor was underway.
“We can confirm Per Widerstrom will be leaving Gala Coral towards the end of the year and we wish him well in the future.
“Per built a strong team that provides the business with a solid foundation to underpin Gala Interactive’s on-going strong performance. We are currently undertaking a search for his successor,” the spokesperson said.