Danish state-owned gambling operator Danske Spil announced that Susanne Mørch Koch has been appointed as its CEO. Ms. Koch will assume her new role in April 2017, replacing current Chief Executive Hans Christian Korsgaard Madsen.
Mr. Madsen’s departure was confirmed by Danske Spil earlier this year. He spent twelve years as the gambling operator’s top executive.
With her appointment being approved by Danske Spil’s Board, Ms. Koch will be working with Mr. Madsen over the next several months. Following a transition period, she will take full responsibilities in April 2017.
Ms. Koch joins Denmark’s state-owned operator from train company DBS, where she serves as Chief Commercial Officer in the period between 2013 and 2016. She has also taken numerous executive roles in both private and state-owned companies, so she certainly has considerable experience in working with both public and government stakeholders.
Of her appointment, Ms. Koch said that she is really happy to be joining the operator. Ms. Koch also promised that Danske Spil will implement an ambitious growth strategy for 2020.
Commenting on the appointment of a new Chief Executive, Danske Spil Board Chairman Peter Gæmelke told local media that they believe they have chosen the right candidate for the CEO post and that given the fact that Ms. Koch is joining from another state-owned enterprise, it would be not difficult for her to get accustomed to the way the gambling operator works. Mr. Gæmelke also added that Danske Spil will certainly benefit from her numerous qualities.
Founded in 1949, Danske Spil is known to be Denmark’s national gambling operator. The company offers a number of gambling options, including number and instant games, skill-based offering, as well as gambling on machines. Here it is also important to note that prior to 2012, when Denmark liberalized its gambling market, Danske Spil was the only enterprise allowed to provide gambling options within the country’s borders. Following the adoption of the liberalized gaming regulations, international operators are now able to enter the local market and to provide numerous options to gambling customers.
It was reported earlier this year that the Danish government was planning to sell Danske Spil’s online operations, including sports betting, poker, and casino, and to only retain the operator’s lottery business. However, it is still unknown whether such a sale will be materialized.
