Conor Grant to step down as chief executive of Flutter's UK and Ireland business

Conor Grant is to step down as chief executive of Flutter Entertainment's UK and Ireland business later this year, the gambling giant has announced.

The company said Grant was leaving his role for a planned career break to spend more time with his family after more than 20 years in the industry.

Flutter has looked outside the gambling sector for Grant's successor, with Ian Brown joining in September. His previous roles have included being chief executive of Booking.com’s Trips division, which includes Rentalcars.com.

He will assume responsibility for the Paddy Power, Sky Betting and Gaming, Betfair and Tombola brands in the UK and Ireland, working with Grant to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities.

Grant began his career with Paddy Power before spells with Blue Square and then BoyleSports, where he was head of online operations.

He joined Sky Betting & Gaming 12 years ago, overseeing its sale to The Stars Group (TSG) and then leading the consolidation of Flutter's UK and Ireland division following the merger with TSG in 2020.

Grant said: "I have been immensely proud to lead the UK and Ireland business through such a momentous period for both Flutter and the wider industry. Flutter’s market leading brands, talented team and approach to safer gambling are what sets the business apart.

"I have no doubt that the business is in good hands and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow sustainably and responsibly into the future."

Grant had also led the business's response to the British government's gambling review, an area Brown will have to swiftly come up to speed with.

Ian Brown is set to join Flutter in SeptemberCredit: Jon Enoch

Brown said he had been following Flutter for some time and was delighted to be joining the company.

He added: "Flutter has a fantastic portfolio of iconic brands and I look forward to helping develop their leadership position in the online entertainment space."

Flutter's chief executive Peter Jackson paid tribute to Grant, thanking him for his contribution to the company.

He said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Conor and will personally miss his sound commercial judgement and keen eye for business opportunities. I'm sorry to see him leave but wish him well for the future."

Of Brown he added: "I am delighted to welcome a leader of Ian’s calibre to our executive team. He brings with him broad experience leading online businesses from a range of sectors, including travel, hospitality, business services, and financial services."

Flutter's share price closed up 2.06 per cent at 8,028p on Wednesday.

Read this next:

Betting World: Political change gives opportunity to restore trust in the Gambling Act review

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday