Sun International has announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Leeming, will be taking early retirement, effective 31 December 2025.
Swedish businessman Ulrik Bengtsson has been appointed as his successor.
The group said that Leeming was leaving to pursue “various personal opportunities” outside of the group after 26 years at the company.
Fill his shoes
Leeming joined Sun International in 1999 as group finance manager before assuming the role as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on 1 March 2013.
He was appointed group executive in 2017.
Bengtsson will take the reins from 1 July 2025, or earlier, depending on the date of securing his work permit.
“He brings a proven track record of driving business transformations, scaling omnichannel platform businesses, both organically and through M&A, as well as in-depth knowledge of the global land-based and online gaming markets,” the group said.
Bengtsson holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie University in Canada and is currently Chairman of Hostelworld plc, Raketech plc, and Gamenation (UK), roles he will retire from in order to relocate to South Africa.
Leeming will remain in the position until Bengtsson has assumed the role to ensure a smooth handover, the group said.
Thereafter he will step down as CEO and executive director of Sun International as well as other group companies.
FULL STATEMENT
Shareholders are advised that Mr Anthony Leeming, the Chief Executive of Sun International, has formally given notice that he will retire from Sun International with effect from 31 December 2025 to pursue various personal opportunities outside of the group.
Anthony joined Sun International in 1999 as Group Finance Manager before assuming the role as Chief Financial Officer on 1 March 2013. On 1 February 2017, Anthony was appointed as group Chief Executive. Amongst his achievements during his eight-year tenure of leading the group include, his decisive leadership while navigating the business through the COVID-19 pandemic, the recapitalisation and de-gearing of the group’s balance sheet, strides to optimise the portfolio of assets and enhance operational performance, the entry and growth of Sun International into the online gaming market, and an unwavering focus on enhancing the customer experience at the group’s properties, including the iconic Sun City.
APPOINTMENT OF MR ULRIK BENGTSSON AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE
The board is delighted to announce that, following a comprehensive global search, internationally renowned gaming executive, Mr Ulrik Bengtsson, has been appointed Chief Executive of Sun International with effect from 1st July 2025 or such earlier date, dependant on the date of securing his work permit.
Mr Bengtsson, a Swedish national, has been CEO of international listed companies and consumer services groups across gaming, betting, broadcasting and telecoms for nearly 20 years. He brings a proven track record of driving business transformations, scaling omnichannel platform businesses, both organically and through M&A, as well as in-depth knowledge of the global land-based and online gaming markets.
Notably, Ulrik was previously the Group CEO of UK-based gaming group William Hill plc, where he turned the company around, and led the sale of the group to Caesars Entertainment Inc. in the US for £2.9 billion, and the subsequent sale of William Hill’s European assets to 888 Holdings Limited for 2.3 billion. He was also previously President and CEO of Swedish-listed online gaming group Betsson AB, where he doubled revenue within five years and completed multiple acquisitions.
Ulrik holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie University in Canada and is currently Chairman of Hostelworld plc, Raketech plc, and Gamenation (UK), roles he will retire from in order to relocate to South Africa and assume the role of Chief Executive of Sun International.
LEADERSHIP TRANSITION
Accordingly, and with effect from 1 July 2025, or such earlier date as agreed, Anthony will step down as the Chief Executive and executive director of Sun International as well as other group companies and will be succeeded by Ulrik Bengtsson as the new Chief Executive of Sun International.
While Anthony will relinquish his role as Chief Executive of Sun International, he will remain with the Company until the end of December 2025 and will work closely with Ulrik to effect a smooth transition, and continue supporting the board and group as appropriate.
Commenting on his appointment, Ulrik remarked: ‘Sun International is an iconic leisure group with a proud heritage, and a unique growth opportunity to become a leading omnichannel player in the rapidly evolving global gaming landscape. I am thrilled to bring my experience and expertise to this fantastic organisation as Chief Executive and look forward to working with the board and colleagues to drive its continued success and chart a bold path forward into the future.’
Anthony remarked that: ‘It has been an absolute privilege to lead Sun International over the past eight years. I would like to thank all of our stakeholders including shareholders, the board and all the dedicated people of Sun International for their confidence in my leadership and support. I look forward to working closely with Ulrik during the transition period as he assumes leadership of the group.’
Chairman Sam Sithole commented: ‘Anthony has left an indelible mark on Sun International, and I would like to thank him for his significant contribution and dedication to the business over the last 26 years, and especially for his exemplary stewardship of the group since 2017.
Ulrik is a highly experienced and accomplished global executive with deep industry knowledge and expertise. His proven track record to deliver results and unlock value in complex, dynamic environments, positions him extremely well to lead Sun International into its next phase of growth. The board extends a warm welcome to Ulrik as Chief Executive.’
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