Gambling.com Group has made a major leadership shakeup, with co-founder and current Chief Operating Officer Kevin McCrystle moving to Chief Executive Officer.
McCrystle will take over from fellow co-founder Charles Gillespie, who will become the firm’s Executive Chairman.
The transition, expected to take place in mid-May, will mark the conclusion of Gillespie’s 20-year tenure as CEO, during which he led the company from its founding in 2006 to its current position as a publicly traded global business.
Over that time, Gambling.com has evolved into a technology company spanning performance marketing and sports data services, while operating across more than 20 regulated markets.
Michael Quartieri, Lead Independent Director, described Gillespie as “one of the longest-serving and most successful CEOs in the history of the online gambling industry”.
“Under Charles’ leadership, Gambling.com Group has grown from just an idea to become the first publicly traded online gambling affiliate in the US that today is a large, highly profitable, global marketing and data services business that has engaged millions of consumers and provides products and services to hundreds of online gaming companies,” he said.
“As Executive Chairman, Charles’ insights and guidance will continue to benefit the company including through his active role in evaluating strategic M&A opportunities and ensuring the company remains at the forefront of the AI revolution.
“On behalf of our Board of Directors, we sincerely thank Charles for his 20 years of outstanding service to the Company as our first and only CEO and look forward to his continued contributions in his role as Executive Chairman.”
In his new role as Executive Chairman, Gillespie will remain closely involved in the company’s strategic direction, including mergers and acquisitions and its ongoing AI focus.
McCrystle, who co-founded the company alongside Gillespie, has served as COO since 2007 and has been responsible for overseeing key revenue-generating functions, including product, marketing, content, sales and technology.
He has also played a key role in the company’s geographic expansion, including the development of its European operations in Ireland and its subsequent growth in the US.
The board emphasised that the leadership change represents continuity rather than a shift in strategy, with Quartieri noting that Gillespie and McCrystle have worked “in lockstep” since the company’s inception.
A new era for Gambling.com
The leadership reshuffle comes as Gambling.com enters what it describes as a new phase of growth, driven by the expansion of its sports data services and the increasing role of AI in its operations.
In comments accompanying the announcement, McCrystle pointed to the company’s evolution through multiple stages, from startup to international expansion and public listing, and framed the transition as part of a bigger shift towards long-term growth.
He explained: “With our fast-growing sports data services business, the ongoing diversification of our marketing business and the powers of AI rapidly changing how we operate, it’s clear we are now in a new growth execution phase.
“As we continue to implement our strategic initiatives, I am energised to take over the CEO role and lead the entire company with our founder-led company values to best position Gambling.com Group for long-term growth.”
It also comes just weeks after the Nasdaq-listed business released its FY25 results, reporting an increase of over 30% in revenue year-on-year to $165.4m (£124.5m).
Adjusted EBITDA rose 19% to $58m and the business, which now employs hundreds of staff, said it expects revenues of $170m-$180m in 2026, with EBITDA between $50-$58m.
The lack of EBITDA improvement may have been one of the reasons which dampened investor confidence, as Gambling.com’s share price has dropped by around 10% since results were released on the 12 March from $4.35 to $3.93.
Despite the leadership change and a drop in stock, Gambling.com said its core strategy remains intact and centred on expanding its dual focus on marketing services and sports data.
The company operates a portfolio of consumer-facing brands, including Gambling.com, Bookies.com and Casinos.com, alongside data and analytics platforms such as OddsJam, OpticOdds and RotoWire.
Leadership remains confident in growth through its brands and record Q4 revenue of over $35m backs that confidence up.
On his switch from CEO to Executive Chairman, Gillespie added: “I have spent my entire adult life building Gambling.com Group with Kevin and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him as we move into the next phase of the company’s growth.
“As we continue to grow our sports data services business, reinvent our marketing business and embrace an AI led future, now is the right time to refresh our leadership team and give our most talented leader the full reins to drive all parts of the business.”