Norway's monopoly gambling operator Norsk Tipping has announced that Trond Bentestuen will be stepping in as the company's new CEO, succeeding Veger Strand - who was appointed temporarily earlier this year.
The Norsk Tipping Board of Directors has now formally confirmed this latest personnel changeover, with Bentestuen set to bring extensive executive leadership and business expertise to his new role - which will see him move on from his current post as CEO of homeware retailer, Maxbo. Elsewhere, Bentestuen has gained additional C-Level experience as a former CEO of Norwegian grocery store chain Rema 1000 - and has also held various senior positions at the DNB Bank.
Now, he will oversee all operations at Norsk Tipping, which narrowly held its monopoly position earlier this year following the nation's general election in October. Indeed, opposition parties in the nation have frequently called for changes to Norway's gambling market structure.
This latest appointment will see Norsk Tipping accept its first permanent CEO since Tonje Sagstuen, who was forced to resign in June following a scandal which saw Norsk Tipping incorrectly notify thousands of Eurojackpot players of life-changing winnings. The operator was subsequently subject to a NOK 25m ($2.4m) fine for the error.
Commenting on this latest appointment was Norsk Tipping Chair, Sylvia Brustad, who said: "I am pleased that Trond Bentestuen has been appointed as the new CEO. Trond's broad management experience and personal qualities make me confident that he is the right person for Norsk Tipping when the company is to deliver on its adopted main ambitions of a society without gambling problems, world-class digital customer experiences and a strong force for change."
Also speaking on his appointment was Bentestuen, himself, who stated: "Ensuring that responsible gaming and the prevention of gambling addiction are combined with efficient operations that ensure that as much of the revenue as possible goes to good causes is a balancing act. I believe we best balance these considerations within the framework of the exclusive model.
"Norsk Tipping as the exclusive provider of gambling is dependent on a high level of trust in society. We must then deliver on our social mission, but also through good offers and services to our customers. I look forward to getting to know those for whom Norsk Tipping exists: the customers, sports, volunteering, culture - and the owners."
Last month saw Norway introduce new bingo legislation, placing a limit on losses which were previously uncapped
