Per Widerström

Early Career and Foundation in Business Management

Per Widerström’s professional journey began in business consulting and corporate strategy. He started as a Management Consultant at Andersen Consulting in 1991 before moving to Procter & Gamble in 1992, where he worked as a Senior Project & Supply Chain Manager until 1995. His early experience included working in consumer goods and consulting, including a stint as a Senior Management Consultant at Capgemini (1995-1996). He then changed industry and moved to Coca-Cola, where he worked from August 1996 to April 2000.

In the early 2000s, Widerström took on leadership roles in technology and telecommunications. He co-founded Wannago in 2000 and served as its Vice President, before becoming CEO of Telenor Mobile Sweden in 2001. At Telenor, he was responsible for steering the company’s growth in the competitive telecom market. From 2004 to 2006, he was Vice President and COO of Kyivstar GSM, a leading mobile operator in Ukraine.

Transition to iGaming

Widerström officially entered the iGaming industry in 2006 when he became CEO and Director of Expekt.com, one of the early European online gaming operators. Over nearly four years, he helped solidify Expekt’s market position before moving on to a major industry player.

In 2010, he joined Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment as Chief Integration Officer & Group Games Director, where he played a critical role in overseeing operational and strategic integration following the merger of Bwin and PartyGaming.

His next significant role came in 2011 when he was appointed Managing Director and Chairman of the Board at Gala Interactive, as well as Chairman at Gala Coral Interactive. Here, he was responsible for overseeing the company’s online gaming and interactive divisions, a position he held until 2014.

CEO of Fortuna Entertainment Group (2014-2022)

In 2014, Widerström took over as Group CEO and Chairman of the Management Board at Fortuna Entertainment Group, the largest betting and gaming operator in Central and Eastern Europe. Under his leadership, Fortuna grew its market share across multiple jurisdictions, enhanced its product offering, and navigated complex regulatory environments. He remained in this role for eight years, strengthening the company’s financial position and expanding its omni-channel betting strategy.

CEO of Evoke plc (formerly 888 Holdings)

Widerström was appointed CEO of 888 Holdings in July 2023 and officially assumed the position on October 16, 2023. His appointment followed an extensive search for a successor to Itai Pazner, who stepped down in January 2023. The transition was overseen by Lord Mendelsohn, who had served as interim executive chair before returning to a non-executive role.

With the company facing regulatory scrutiny in the UK, financial challenges, and a debt burden of £1.8 billion, Widerström’s primary objectives include stabilizing the company’s financial health, optimizing its operations, and ensuring compliance with evolving industry regulations. His leadership has already led to the rebranding of 888 Holdings to Evoke plc.

As CEO, he manages a multinational portfolio of brands, including:

• 888 Casino
• William Hill
• Mr Green

In addition to his executive responsibilities, Widerström has played a key role in corporate governance and strategic advisory. Throughout his career, he has held multiple non-executive and advisory board positions.

Per Widerström’s career is marked by his ability to drive transformation, expand market reach, and strengthen financial performance. His experience spans multiple industries, from telecommunications to gaming, giving him a broad strategic perspective on managing digital businesses.

As CEO of Evoke plc, his leadership is expected to shape the company’s future in a highly competitive and regulated industry. His focus remains on enhancing operational efficiency, leveraging technology, and navigating evolving compliance landscapes.