Evoke has swiftly appointed Mark Summerfield as its new chair and non-executive director following the immediate resignation of Lord Jonathan Mendelsohn. Mendelsohn’s departure marks the end of a transformative chapter for Evoke, which has seen significant changes and growth under his leadership.
Lord Mendelsohn first joined Evoke’s board in September 2020 and took on the role of non-executive chair by March 2021. His tenure also included a stint as interim executive chair from January to October 2023, a period marked by substantial corporate developments. One of the most pivotal moves during his leadership was Evoke’s acquisition of William Hill’s non-US assets from Caesars, a deal completed in July 2022 and valued at £2.2 billion ($2.9 billion). This acquisition positioned Evoke as a formidable player in the global betting and gaming market.
Another significant event during Mendelsohn’s chairmanship was the appointment of Per Widerström as CEO in July 2023, replacing Itai Pazner amid challenges related to AML and KYC compliance. Following Pazner’s exit, Mendelsohn temporarily assumed the role of executive chair, guiding the company through a critical transition phase. This leadership change coincided with a major rebranding effort in May of the previous year, when the company adopted its new Evoke identity.
Beyond his contributions to Evoke, Lord Mendelsohn serves as a working peer in the UK’s House of Lords, having been appointed in October 2013. His experience includes roles as shadow minister for business, international trade, innovation, and industrial strategy for the Labour Party.
Reflecting on his tenure, Mendelsohn expressed, “It has been a privilege to serve as the chair of Evoke. Now is the right time to hand over to Mark to steward Evoke through its next important phase of growth and stability.” He acknowledged the remarkable achievements made over the past five years, crediting his board colleagues, the executive team, and the broader organization for their unwavering commitment.
CEO Per Widerström also acknowledged Mendelsohn’s contributions, noting his exceptional leadership and the pivotal role he played during the company’s period of significant growth and transformation. Widerström expressed gratitude for Mendelsohn’s guidance and support during his transition into the business.
Stepping into the role, Mark Summerfield brings with him a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge. Summerfield, who has served on Evoke’s board since September 2019, is well-versed in the company’s dynamics and industry landscape. He has been instrumental as the chair of both the audit and risk and gaming compliance committees and is a member of the ESG Committee.
Summerfield noted the professional fulfillment derived from collaborating with Mendelsohn over the years, expressing his commitment to working closely with the board and executive team to drive the company’s strategic objectives and enhance shareholder value. In addition, Anne de Kerckhove, who has been part of the board since November 2017, has been appointed as the permanent deputy chair. She will continue her role as a senior independent director and chair of the nominations and ESG committees.
CEO Widerström, anticipating a fruitful collaboration with Summerfield and de Kerckhove, highlighted Summerfield’s deep institutional knowledge and strategic insight as crucial assets for steering the company through its next growth phase.
The board leadership transition aligns with Evoke’s forthcoming Q3 trading update scheduled for 28 October. This update follows a positive first half of the year, where the company reported a 3% year-on-year revenue increase, amounting to £887.8 million ($1.19 billion). This growth, primarily driven by the international business, offset declines in the UK and Ireland’s online gambling and retail segments.
The UK retail sector, in particular, has been a focus for Evoke amid reports suggesting potential closures of up to 15% of its William Hill shops due to anticipated increases in gambling taxes. Such a move could affect around 200 outlets and result in approximately 1,500 job losses. Evoke currently operates approximately 1,300 William Hill shops in the UK, and the government’s forthcoming autumn budget, expected on 26 November, is likely to outline new gambling tax plans.
While some industry analysts view Evoke’s strategic adjustments, including potential retail downsizing, as necessary responses to changing regulatory landscapes, others believe a more aggressive international expansion should be pursued to sustain growth. Critics argue that while the domestic market remains challenging, significant opportunities exist globally, especially in emerging markets with less stringent regulations.
In conclusion, as Mark Summerfield assumes his new role, Evoke stands at a critical juncture. Balancing domestic challenges with international opportunities will be key to the company’s sustained success. The new leadership will have to navigate these complexities, drive strategic initiatives, and strengthen the company’s market position amidst evolving industry dynamics.
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