Profile: Who is Stefan Sulzbacher, the new CEO and investor at Bet-at-home?

A new chapter for Bet-at-home

The appointment of Stefan Sulzbacher as CEO and investor at Bet-at-home represents a significant leadership shift for the Germany- and Austria-focused betting operator. 

Confirmed in April 2026, the move comes at a time when the company is undergoing structural and strategic change, following recent ownership transitions and ongoing regulatory challenges in key markets.

Sulzbacher’s arrival signals both continuity – given his experience in the European betting sector – and potential transformation, particularly due to his background in restructuring and financial strategy.

Who was there before?

Sulzbacher succeeds Claus Retschitzegger, a long-standing figure within Bet-at-home. Retschitzegger joined the company in 2007 and held a variety of roles across legal, communications and public affairs before being appointed CEO in 2025.

His tenure as CEO was relatively brief, lasting less than a year. However, his broader contribution to the company spans nearly two decades, during which he played a central role in navigating regulatory developments and shaping Bet-at-home’s corporate communications strategy.

Despite stepping down as CEO, Retschitzegger remains part of the leadership structure, ensuring a degree of continuity during the transition.

Who is Stefan Sulzbacher?

Stefan Sulzbacher brings a diverse professional background that combines industry-specific experience with broader expertise in consulting and finance. He has spent nearly 20 years working in turnaround management, financial engineering and corporate advisory – primarily through his own consultancy, Sulzbacher Unternehmensberatung.

Within the gambling sector, Sulzbacher is perhaps best known for his role as Speaker of the Board at Interwetten Group, where he gained direct exposure to the operational dynamics of online sports betting. His experience extends beyond operator roles, having also served as Chairman of the German Association for Telecommunications and Media (DVTM), an organisation that engages with policymakers and represents industry interests.

In addition to gaming, his career includes ventures in real estate, aviation leasing and private investment structures. This breadth of experience points to a strategic and financially driven approach to leadership, with a focus on restructuring and long-term value creation.

A CEO with skin in the game

One of the defining aspects of Sulzbacher’s appointment is his simultaneous role as an investor. Alongside Bet-at-home Founder Franz Ömer, he now holds a combined 29.7% stake in the company, with Sulzbacher personally owning 8%.

This dual position aligns management with shareholder interests and may indicate a more hands-on, transformation-oriented leadership style. It also suggests confidence in the company’s long-term prospects, despite current market challenges.

What are the latest developments at Bet-at-home?

Sulzbacher’s appointment comes amid a series of notable developments for Bet-at-home. Earlier in 2026, Banijay Group sold its controlling stake in the operator as part of a broader strategy linked to its planned acquisition of Tipico. This marked a significant shift in ownership and prompted changes at the supervisory board level.

At the same time, the company has been working to strengthen its product offering. Partnerships such as its agreement with Zeal to integrate new gaming content into its German platform reflect ongoing efforts to remain competitive in regulated markets.

However, growth has been constrained, particularly in Germany, where stricter regulatory frameworks continue to shape the operating environment.

Why this appointment matters

The significance of Sulzbacher’s arrival lies in both timing and expertise. Bet-at-home is navigating a complex landscape defined by regulatory pressure, ownership change and the need for strategic repositioning.

Sulzbacher’s background in turnaround management suggests that his role may extend beyond routine leadership. Instead, he is likely to focus on restructuring initiatives, operational efficiency and identifying sustainable growth opportunities.

His familiarity with regulatory processes, combined with hands-on investment in the company, positions him as a key figure in shaping Bet-at-home’s next phase.