Colin Cole-Johnson will take the reins of Bede Gaming after being appointed as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer. 

Bringing with him more than 20 years of experience in the gambling industry, Cole-Johnson joins Bede from Entain where he served as the company’s Gaming Product Director. 

“It’s a proud moment for me,” Cole-Johnson said. “Bede is a company that I’ve gotten to know well and admire over a significant period, so this is a brilliant opportunity to join and lead a strong team with a proven track record.  

“Their achievements over recent years speak for themselves and the potential for the future is really exciting.”

Over the years, Cole-Johnson has held a number of director-level roles at operators including Ladbrokes, William Hill and The Rank Group.

The appointment of Cole-Johnson, said the firm, “reinforces the stature of the business’ digital offering” and indicates the company’s “ambitions to build the best possible product for customers”.

Chairman Joe Saumarez Smith added: “We are delighted that Colin has agreed to become CEO of Bede. He is an industry leading executive with a proven track record at some of the biggest gaming companies in the world. 

“He already knows Bede’s industry-leading platform from his days as a client and we have no doubt that he will help the company further grow its position as the first choice gaming platform in regulated markets. 

“On behalf of everyone at Bede Gaming and the Gauselmann Group, I am excited to welcome Colin to the team.”

Cole-Johnson’s new role will take effect from 4 April 2022; Bede’s current Managing Director, Alex Butcher, will become a non-executive director.