Flutter Entertainment appoints Imperial Brands’ Stefan Bomhard as non-executive director

• Flutter Entertainment announces the appointment of Stefan Bomhard as non-executive director, effective 1 October 2025
• Bomhard will step down as Imperial Brands CEO on 30 September 2025 after five years in the role
• The German executive brings experience from Inchcape, Bacardi, Cadbury and other major consumer brands

Flutter Entertainment has appointed Stefan Bomhard, the outgoing chief executive of Imperial Brands, as a non-executive director effective 1 October 2025. The New York-based gaming group, which owns brands including Betfair and Paddy Power, announced the appointment following what it described as an extensive search process.

Bomhard will step down as Imperial Brands CEO on 30 September 2025 after five years in the role, with Chief Financial Officer Lukas Paravicini set to succeed him. The German executive will remain on Imperial’s board until 31 December 2025 and continue providing transition support until May.

The 58-year-old brings extensive international experience across multiple consumer sectors. Before joining Imperial Brands in July 2020, Bomhard served as CEO of automotive distributor Inchcape from 2015 to 2020. His career also includes senior positions at Bacardi Limited as president of the European region, chief commercial officer at Cadbury, and roles at Unilever, Diageo and Procter & Gamble.

Bomhard currently serves as a non-executive director at Compass Group, a position he has held since May 2016. He holds degrees from Middlesex University and Reutlingen University, plus a doctorate in marketing from the University of Bradford.

John Bryant, Flutter’s chair, commented on the appointment:

“Following an extensive search as part of our on-going Board renewal process, I am delighted to welcome Stefan as a non-executive director. Stefan has significant experience working in international environments, particularly in the operation, sales and marketing of well-known consumer brands. We look forward to Stefan joining the Board and contributing to Flutter’s future.”

The appointment forms part of Flutter’s ongoing board renewal strategy as the company continues to expand its global operations. Flutter’s board has determined that Bomhard meets independence standards under New York Stock Exchange listing requirements.

Flutter shares rose 1.0% to 21,390 pence in London trading on Friday afternoon following the announcement, while Imperial Brands shares gained 0.5% to 3,200.95 pence. The appointment strengthens Flutter’s leadership team with proven consumer brand expertise as the gaming industry faces increasing regulatory scrutiny and market competition.