PointsBet appoints Andrew Catterall as group CEO following MIXI takeover

• Andrew Catterall promoted from Australian CEO role to group chief executive, effective 1 February 2026.
• Co-founder Sam Swanell steps down after nine years, transitioning to an advisory role whilst remaining on the board.
• Leadership change follows MIXI’s acquisition of 66.43% controlling stake in September 2025.

PointsBet Holdings has announced a leadership transition, with Andrew Catterall set to become group CEO on 1 February 2026. The appointment follows the Australian wagering operator’s takeover by Japanese digital entertainment company MIXI, which secured majority control earlier this year.

Catterall currently serves as CEO of PointsBet Australia, a position he has held since July 2022. He will succeed co-founder Sam Swanell, who has led the company as CEO and managing director since July 2016.

Nine-year tenure comes to close

Swanell co-founded PointsBet in March 2015 alongside Andrew Fahey and Nick Fahey. During his tenure, he guided the company through its initial public offering and international expansion, including its entry into the North American market following the repeal of PASPA in 2018.

The operator launched in New Jersey in 2019 before expanding to states including Colorado and New York. PointsBet sold its US operations to Fanatics for US$225m (€210m) in 2024, refocusing on its Australian and Canadian markets.

Swanell will support Catterall during a defined handover period before transitioning to an advisory role. He will remain on PointsBet’s board as an executive director, contributing to strategic initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Sam Swanell for his exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment and deep contribution to PointsBet since founding the Company,” said Brett Paton, PointsBet chairman.

“Sam has guided PointsBet through every stage of its development and growth, and his continued involvement in an advisory capacity, as well as his ongoing service on the Board, will ensure the business continues to benefit from his insight and experience.”

Extensive sports and media background

Catterall brings over two decades of leadership experience across wagering, media, sport and digital businesses. Prior to joining PointsBet, he served as CEO of Racing.com, where he led the business through transformation in broadcasting, digital media, rights acquisition and commercial growth.

His career also includes senior positions at the Australian Football League (AFL), Racing Victoria, and management consultancy Boston Consulting Group. At Racing Victoria, he held the role of chief commercial and strategy officer.

Since taking charge of PointsBet’s Australian division in 2022, Catterall has overseen operational changes, product execution improvements and commercial performance initiatives within that market.

“We are delighted to appoint Andrew Catterall as Group CEO,” Paton said.

“Andrew has delivered strong performance within our Australian operations and brings extensive industry expertise, strategic capability and leadership qualities that will guide PointsBet into its next phase. The Board congratulates Andrew on his appointment and looks forward to working closely with him as he leads the Group forward.”

New era under MIXI ownership

The leadership announcement follows major changes to PointsBet’s ownership structure. In September 2025, MIXI secured 66.43% of PointsBet’s shares, giving it majority control of the ASX-listed wagering operator at AU$1.25 per share.

The takeover concluded months of competitive bidding that included a rival proposal from Australian bookmaker Betr Entertainment. Betr, the trading name of BlueBet, now holds 27.72% of PointsBet following its unsuccessful takeover attempt.

In October, PointsBet restructured its board to reflect the new ownership. Three MIXI-nominated directors joined as non-executives: Sho Okuyama, Kanji Kobayashi and Taishi Oba.

The appointments resulted in the resignation of several existing directors, including Becky Harris, Tony Symons, Kosha Gada, Peter McCluskey and William Grounds. Paton remained as chairman throughout the transition.

Financial terms and regulatory approvals

Under the employment agreement, Catterall will receive a fixed annual remuneration of AU$675,000 (€402,000), according to the company’s ASX announcement. He will be eligible for short-term and long-term incentive awards tied to performance hurdles, plus retention incentives payable in 2026 and 2027.

Swanell’s advisory agreement includes separate fixed remuneration of AU$310,000 (€185,000) per annum, plus additional incentives aligned with his reduced executive responsibilities.

Catterall will not initially join the board of PointsBet Holdings Limited. The appointment remains subject to customary gaming licensing and regulatory approvals.

PointsBet continues to operate its wagering and iGaming businesses in Australia and Canada. The company has not disclosed any immediate operational changes arising from the MIXI takeover.