Respected wagering identity Dean Shannon steps down as boss of Entain Australia

Leading wagering figure Dean Shannon has announced he will step down as boss of Entain Australia.

Entain Australia boss Dean Shannon has announced he is stepping down from his role at the helm of the business from June 30.

Shannon, a pioneer and highly respected figure in wagering circles, said the decision to depart was to allow Entain Australia and New Zealand the chance to enter a new phase, declaring “it was the right time for change”.

During Shannon’s tenure as the boss of Entain Australia, returns to industry from the organisation have flourished, securing partnerships north of $50 million, with wagering brands Ladbrokes and Neds at the forefront of some of the three racing code’s major events and initiatives.

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In announcing the departure, Stella David, Group CEO of Entain, thanked Shannon for his service.

“We thank Dean for his significant contribution to Entain, and for managing the Australian and New Zealand businesses,” David said.

“The growth and integration of Neds and Ladbrokes into our global portfolio of podium position brands has been a particular highlight and he has more recently delivered what we believe is a market leading compliance program in Australia.

“As the Australian business enters its next phase, we will continue to demonstrate our commitment to compliance and responsibly deliver great products to our customers.”

After news of Shannon’s departure broke, some of racing’s most influential figures spoke out, including Racing NSW supremo Peter V’landys AM and Aaron Morrision, CEO of Racing Victoria.

“If you look at the form guide on Dean Shannon it speaks for itself,” V’landys said.

“No one has been more successful, both personally and through Ladbrokes. His success was extraordinary to say the least.

“I hope that he stays involved in the industry as he is a one of a kind innovator and an asset the industry desperately needs.”

It was a sentiment supported by Morrison.

Racing NSW boss Peter V'landys (left) and Racing Victoria CEO Aaron Morrison (right)

“Dean has made an enormous contribution to racing and wagering in Australia and New Zealand,” Morrison said.

 “He’s a visionary with an exceptional mind and undeniable passion. He understands what makes racing and punters tick and as a result he’s been tremendous to work with.

 “I thank him for his support of Victorian racing and wish him every success in his future endeavours.”

With Shannon set to depart at the end of the month, respected wagering figure Andrew Vouris has been appointed Interim CEO.

Vouris brings a wealth of knowledge into the role, boasting more than 17 years of leadership experience in wagering, operations and innovation at some of Australia’s biggest wagering operators, including Tabcorp and Entain.

In his time at Tabcorp, Vouris played a key role in managing complex regulatory and compliance matters, including the response to Tabcorp’s AUSTRAC proceedings in 2017.

Shannon’s departure comes as Entain Australia reaches the pointy end of its own legal fight with AUSTRAC, taken to Federal Court over alleged breaches of “serious non-compliance with Australia’s money laundering laws.”

Interim Entain Australia boss Andrew Vouris.

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The exit of Shannon from the business draws the curtain on a 13-year association with the Ladbrokes brand.

Back in 2012, Shannon launched start-up corporate bookmaker Bookmaker.com.au before selling it a year later to Ladbrokes which served as the international brand’s entry point into the robust Australian market.

Five years later, Shannon then founded Neds.com.au which found a niche market in sports and racing betting, before it was also sold to the owner’s of Ladbrokes, consolidating its place in the Australian wagering market.

Part of the Neds transaction in 2017 saw Shannon take the reins as boss of the Australian business for Entain where it has enjoyed significant market growth during that time.

Entain Australia has commenced the search for a permanent CEO.

Originally published as Respected wagering identity Dean Shannon steps down as boss of Entain Australia