Table of Contents
Key Points
- Anthony Leeming will retire as Sun International CEO in December 2025 after eight years leading the company through key challenges, including COVID-19.
- Ulrik Bengtsson, former William Hill CEO, will succeed Leeming, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in global gaming and consumer services.
- Leeming’s leadership saw key acquisitions, like Peermont Group, and strategic changes to strengthen Sun International’s financial position and online gaming presence.
Sun International has announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Leeming, will retire at the end of December 2025, concluding an impactful eight-year tenure at the head of the South African gaming and hospitality group.
Leeming, who has been with the company since 1999, has been instrumental in guiding Sun International through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
His leadership helped strengthen the company’s financial position, expand its online gaming presence, and improve the customer experience across its flagship properties.
Ulrik Bengtsson to take over as CEO-designate
The company has confirmed that Ulrik Bengtsson, an internationally renowned gaming executive, will succeed Leeming as CEO.
A Swedish national with nearly 20 years of experience leading gaming, betting, and consumer services companies, Bengtsson is best known for his role as CEO of UK-based William Hill plc, where he led the company’s £2.9 billion ($3.75 billion) sale to Caesars Entertainment.
Bengtsson is set to step into the role of CEO-designate on July 1, 2025, or earlier, pending work permit approvals. Leeming will work closely with him in the interim to ensure a smooth leadership transition before officially stepping down at the end of the year.
Leeming’s legacy and Sun International’s future
Leeming’s leadership at Sun International marked a transformative period, particularly in strengthening its position within Africa’s gaming and hospitality industry. He oversaw a strategic overhaul of the company’s asset portfolio, expanded its online gaming operations, and navigated the company through the financial strain caused by the pandemic.
His most notable achievement was leading the acquisition of Peermont Group for R7.3 billion ($400 million), a deal set to close by March 2024, which will further consolidate Sun International’s position in the region.
However, Leeming’s final year comes with its own set of challenges, such as rising operational costs and shifts in consumer behavior. His decision to explore creating a separate business unit for smaller assets aligns with Sun International’s focus on streamlining operations and improving profitability.
Chairman Sam Sithole praised Leeming’s enduring impact, saying, “Anthony has played a pivotal role in strengthening our financial resilience and setting Sun International up for continued success in the future.”
What’s next for Sun International?
As Leeming prepares to step down after a distinguished 26-year career at the company, including his eight years as CEO, Sun International enters a new chapter under the leadership of Ulrik Bengtsson. Bengtsson’s extensive experience in transforming global gaming and online betting businesses will be crucial as the company adapts to an increasingly dynamic industry.
Leeming will remain with the company through the end of 2025, ensuring a seamless transition. With Bengtsson at the helm, Sun International is poised for continued growth as it navigates the changing landscape of the gaming industry.
