Evoke Appoints Mark Summerfield as New Non-Executive Chair
Evoke Plc has announced a major leadership change as Lord Jon Mendelsohn steps down from his position as Chair and Non-Executive Director after more than five years with the company. The Board has appointed Mark Summerfield as the new Non-Executive Chair, while Anne de Kerckhove takes on the role of Deputy Chair.
Leadership Transition at Evoke
Lord Jon Mendelsohn, who joined the Board in September 2020, has been a key figure in Evoke’s evolution, overseeing significant milestones, including the acquisition of William Hill International and serving as interim Executive Chair between January and October 2023. Reflecting on his tenure, Mendelsohn said:
“It has been a privilege to serve as the Chair of evoke. It has been a fantastic experience from shepherding the acquisition of William Hill International through to my tenure as interim Executive Chair and, more recently, working closely with the Board and executive team to develop and articulate evoke’s long-term growth strategy.”
“Having overseen the transformation of the business into one of the world’s leading betting and gaming companies, now is the right time to hand over to Mark to steward evoke through its next important phase of growth and stability. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved at the Company over the past five years and would like to thank my fellow Board members, the executive team, and the wider organisation for their utmost and unwavering commitment.”
Mark Summerfield Steps In as Non-Executive Chair
Mark Summerfield joined Evoke’s Board in 2019 and has played a key role as Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee and Gaming Compliance Committee, as well as a member of the ESG Committee. With his promotion to Chair, Limor Ganot will temporarily assume the role of Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee. Summerfield commented on his appointment, expressing appreciation for Mendelsohn’s leadership and optimism for the future:
“It has been one of the highlights of my professional career to have partnered with Jon over the past few years and I will miss his dedication and insight. I look forward to working closely with my fellow Board members, including Anne as Deputy Chair, and the executive team to ensure the successful delivery of our strategy and create significant shareholder value.”
Anne de Kerckhove Appointed Deputy Chair
As part of the leadership restructure, Anne de Kerckhove has been appointed Deputy Chair of the Board. She will continue serving as Senior Independent Director, Chair of the Nominations Committee and ESG Committee, and as a member of the Remuneration Committee.
De Kerckhove has been part of Evoke’s Board since November 2017 and brings extensive experience in governance and corporate oversight to her expanded role.
CEO’s Perspective on the Transition
Evoke CEO Per Widerström expressed his gratitude for Mendelsohn’s leadership and confidence in the new appointments:
“I would like to thank Jon for his exceptional leadership of the Board and for his support during my transition into the business. He has helped to guide the Company through a period of significant growth and transformation and his insight and collaboration will be missed.”
“I am looking forward to working with Mark and Anne in their new roles. Mark has such strong and deep institutional knowledge of the Company, the industry and our strategic priorities, and is ideally positioned to lead the Board and the Company through the next period of growth and development.”
The leadership changes come just a week before Evoke’s Q3 2025 Trading Update, which the company is scheduled to publish on 28 October 2025.
This transition signals Evoke’s focus on consolidating stability and strategic growth as it enters its next phase under Summerfield’s leadership.