William Hill replace Mr Green’s Jesper Kärrbrink with Patrick Jonker, as MRG CEO Per Norman steps down to join esports project GHLF.

Following William Hill’s takeover of MRG, it has been announced that Mr Green’s Jesper Kärrbrink will be replaced by William Hill’s Patrick Jonker.

Jonker, who is William Hill’s incoming International Online Managing Director will take over as CEO of Mr Green’s Malta-based business, with a focus on growing the business is emerging markets.

He served as Managing Director of Betsson Group from 2014 until being snapped up by William Hill, in an appointment announced just last week, and has not yet started working for the company.

As for Kärrbrink, he will be staying with MRG in a new role at supplier Green Jade Games.

Other changes announced include Per Norman, CEO of MRG since 2015, stepping down from his position and taking up an advisory role as Chairman of esports community GHLF.

Commenting on the news, Kärrbrink explained:

“The past three years has been a fantastic journey with some of the most amazing people in the industry. 

“I have planned to move back to Sweden for some time, so it is reassuring to know that the existing management team lead by Patrick Jonker as Mr Green Ltd’s new CEO will take the company forward to the next stage of the journey as part of William Hill. I look forward to continuing working closely with William Hill through Green Jade Games.”

And outgoing CEO Norman added:

“The strategic and logic of the acquisition is obvious, strong brands and size are prerequisites for future success. I am excited to be engaged and follow the William Hill group through my board position in GLHF.”

The moves follow William Hill’s purchase of 92% of MRG, Mr Green’s owners, for a sum of £245m ($315m) in January; a move which immediately gave the bookmaker an up and running base firmly within the borders of the EU – a smart hedge given the looming possibility of a so-called ‘No Deal’ Brexit.

AYO.NEWS says:

The changes announced by William Hill make sense, and further illustrate that despite being one the most established British bookies, the company recognises times are rapidly changing and is re-deploying focus, talent and assets to better reflect global realities – this is especially underlined by the increased focus on emerging markets and esports.