Sun City owner announces new CEO

Sun International has announced that its chief executive officer, Anthony Leeming, will be taking early retirement effective 31 December 2025, with Ulrik Bengtsson taking over the role.

The group said that Leeming was leaving to pursue “various personal opportunities” outside of the group after 26 years.

Leeming joined Sun International in 1999 as group finance manager before assuming the
role as chief financial officer on 1 March 2013.

He was appointed group executive in 2017.

During his eight years leading the company, he navigated the group through some of the most turbulent and difficult conditions, especially the Covid-19 pandemic.

Moving to fill his shoes is Swedish businessman Ulrik Bengtsson, who will be taking the reins from 1 July 2025, or earlier, depending on the date of securing his work permit.

Sun International noted that Bengtsson has been CEO of international listed companies and consumer services groups across gaming, betting, broadcasting and telecoms for nearly 20 years.

“He brings a proven track record of driving business transformations, scaling omnichannel platform businesses, both organically and through M&A, as well as in-depth knowledge of the global land-based and online gaming markets,” the group said.

He was previously the Group CEO of UK-based gaming group William Hill plc, where he turned the company around, and led the sale of the group to Caesars Entertainment Inc. in the US for £2.9 billion, and the subsequent sale of William Hill’s European assets to 888 Holdings Limited for €2.3 billion.

He was also previously President and CEO of Swedish-listed online gaming group Betsson AB, where he doubled revenue within five years and completed multiple acquisitions, Sun International said.

Bengtsson holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie University in Canada and is currently Chairman of Hostelworld plc, Raketech plc, and Gamenation (UK), roles he will retire from in order to relocate to South Africa.

Leeming will remain in the position until Bengtsson has assumed the role, the group said.

Thereafter he will step down as CEO and executive director of Sun International as well as other group companies.

After relinquishing his role, Leeming will stay with the company until December 2025 to ensure a smooth handover.