Tipico Sportwetten has entered a new “leadership era” as Mate Bacic succeeds Axel Hefer as Chief Executive Officer of the DACH market’s biggest sports betting and iGaming brand.

The leadership transition follows Hefer’s decision to step down from the new leadership team of Banijay Gaming – the division formed as of April 2025, following the completion of Banijay Group’s €3bn acquisition of Tipico.

Hefer’s departure comes after he completed his mandate to transform Tipico into an eventual multi-billion sale. During his three-year tenure, the company withdrew from the US, selling its stateside business to MGM Resorts, and acquired Admiral Austria to strengthen its regional footprint.

It would finally become a target for acquisition itself, with former private equity owner CVC Capital agreeing to sell the business to Banijay in October 2025.

Commenting on his departure, Hefer said: “I joined the Tipico Group almost three years ago with a clear goal: to set the course for future international growth. With the sale to the Banijay Group, my work has been successfully completed.

“I am convinced that with Mate Bacic at the helm and as part of Banijay Gaming, the company is excellently positioned for the future. I wish Mate and the entire team every success for the coming years.”

A new leadership to lead a new chapter

Bacic, a near decade-long executive within Tipico, has stepped into the role from within the group’s senior ranks. 

As Managing Director of Tipico Retail Services, he played a central role in building and restructuring the operator’s land-based network, which now spans more than 1,250 shops across both Germany and Austria.

More recently, he led the integration of Admiral Austria into the group through his role as CEO of the Atlas Group. Prior to joining Tipico, Bacic held senior leadership roles at Telefónica Germany, bringing extensive operational and commercial experience to the top job.

Speaking on his tenure, Bacic said: “I am delighted to lead Tipico through this crucial phase. We have a strong brand, a highly dedicated team, and reliable partners at our side. Together with Banijay, we will accelerate innovation, invest in technology, and set new standards in service.”

He added: “We want to offer sports betting fans the best and safest experience — online as well as in our more than 1,250 shops. I would also like to thank Axel for his trustworthy collaboration and his significant contribution to positioning Tipico for an excellent future.”

Under the new leadership structure, Nicolas Béraud, former Betclic CEO, will serve as Chairman of the Board of Banijay Gaming. Joachim Baca, Chairman and former CEO of Tipico, will serve as Vice-Chairman of the Board.

Operational leadership has also been reshaped across the group’s core brands as Julien Brun, formerly Chief Operational Officer, has taken on the role of CEO of Betclic.

Banijay leadership has endorsed the internal succession, with Béraud stating: “Following the completion of Banijay Gaming’s acquisition of the Tipico Group, I am convinced that Mate, with his extensive industry experience, in-depth knowledge of the Tipico Group, and strong leadership skills, will make a significant contribution to building a large European platform.

“Axel was an incredible partner in the Betclic/Tipico transaction, I wish him all the best for the next chapter of his career.”