Catterall takes PointsBet CEO role after Mixi takeover

Andrew Catterall becomes PointsBet’s Group CEO on February 1, pending gaming license approvals. He’s been running the Australian business since 2022 and will now take the top job.

Sam Swanell, who co-founded PointsBet, isn’t leaving entirely. He’ll stay on the board as an executive director and help with the handover. Then he moves into an advisory role.

Chairman Brett Paton thanked Swanell for his “exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment and deep contribution” since founding the company. Swanell led PointsBet’s expansion across regulated wagering markets in Australia and North America from the start.

The board wants his continued involvement for continuity. Leadership changes can be tricky, especially after ownership battles.

Why This Appointment Follows Mixi’s Takeover Win

The CEO change comes after months of ownership drama. Mixi Australia wrapped up its takeover in September with 66.43% of voting rights.

That followed a long fight with rival bidder Betr Entertainment. Multiple bids, shareholder votes, and regulatory reviews dragged on for months. Mixi’s final offer valued PointsBet at $1.25 per share.

The leadership shift is part of Mixi consolidating control. New owners typically want their preferred executives in place. Since securing majority ownership, Mixi has moved to strengthen its position within PointsBet.

What Catterall Brings to the Role

Catterall ran PointsBet’s Australian operations through major changes. He handled product execution, regulatory engagement, and commercial performance in a competitive domestic market.

Before PointsBet, he was CEO at Racing.com. His background includes senior roles at the AFL and Racing Victoria, plus experience in digital and media businesses. He also worked at Boston Consulting Group doing management consulting.

That mix of sports, media, and strategy experience fits what PointsBet needs now. The operator wants stability while adapting to Mixi’s ownership structure.

How PointsBet’s Business Continues Under New Leadership

The operator kept developing its regulated markets during the ownership transition. It didn’t pause operations waiting for the takeover to finish.

In Ontario, PointsBet added Thunderkick’s content to its online casino. Earlier it integrated Ezugi’s live casino products. These partnerships show the company’s still building out its North American presence.

Ontario’s market launched in April 2022 and became one of North America’s biggest legal iGaming jurisdictions. PointsBet sees it as key territory under Mixi’s majority ownership.

The North American business remains a major focus going forward. But Catterall’s Australian expertise suggests the domestic market won’t get ignored either.

The appointment gives PointsBet clear leadership as it enters this next phase. Swanell’s continued board presence provides continuity while Catterall takes the helm.