Philip Bowcock to Step Down as William Hill CEO

Philip Bowcock, the chief executive of William Hill PLC, is going to step down as the bookmaker struggles to adjust to a regulatory clampdown on betting machines.

Ulrik Begntsson, the chief digital officer of William Hill, will succeed Bowcock, who will resign as chief executive on September 30 but stay on as an employee until the end of the year to ensure a smooth handover.

“Having overseen the group’s digital operations for 18 months, he knows the business well and is ideally suited to lead our next phase of growth,” Roger Devlin, chairman of William Hill said.

“Ulrik has deep understanding in digital and has the international and sector experience we need to deliver on our strategy. His appointment will provide continuity, stability and operational digital leadership as we deliver on the strategy we have set,” Roger Devlin added.

Devlin said Bowcock has led the business through a period of “unprecedented change” including the challenges of the government’s triennial review into gaming machines and the group’s expansion in the US.