Sun International Limited, a prominent South African gambling and hospitality group has announced a significant leadership transition. Anthony Leeming, the current Chief Executive Officer, will retire effective December 31, 2025, after a 26-year tenure with the company, including eight years as CEO. Swedish businessman, Ulrik Bengtsson, a seasoned executive in the global gambling industry is set to assume the role of CEO on July 1, 2025, or earlier, pending the finalisation of his work permit.

Anthony Leeming Tenure

Leeming joined Sun International in 1999 as Group Financial Officer in 2013 and ascended to CEO in 2017. During his time, he navigated the company through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, implemented strategies to strengthen the group’s financial position, and expanded its presence in the online gambling sectors. Leeming will continue to support the company in an advisory capacity until the end of 2025 to ensure a smooth transition and handover to Bengtsson.

Appointment of Ulrik Bengtsson

The board has appointed Ulrik Bengtsson as the succeeding CEO. Bengtsson brings nearly two decades of executive experience in gambling, betting, broadcasting, and telecommunications. He previously served as Group CEO of UK-based gambling company William Hill, where he led a successful turnaround and oversaw its sale to Caesars Entertainment. Bengtsson also held the position of President and CEO of Swedish-listed online gambling group Betsson AB, where he doubled revenue within five years and completed multiple acquisitions.

Bengtsson holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie University in Canada and has served as Chairman of Hostelworld, Raketech, and Gamenation (UK), roles he will step down from as he prepares to relocate to South Africa.

Strategic Outlook

Sun International’s Chairperson, Sam Sithole, expressed confidence in Bengtsson’s appointment, highlighting his extensive experience and track record in the industry. Bengtsson’s expertise in both land-based and online gambling and gaming markets positions him to lead Sun International into its next phase of growth, focusing on becoming a leading omnichannel player in the evolving global gambling landscape.

This leadership change marks a strategic move for Sun International as it aims to leverage Bengtsson’s international experience to drive innovation and expansion in the gambling and hospitality sectors.

References:

https://businesstech.co.za/news/business/817925/sun-city-owner-announces-new-ceo/

https://next.io/news/people/ulrik-bengtsson-appointed-sun-international-chief-executive/

https://iol.co.za/business-report/companies/2025-03-24-ulrik-bengtsson-appointed-as-new-ceo-of-sun-international-succeeding-anthony-leeming/

https://raketech.com/mfn_news/chairman-ulrik-bengtsson-to-step-down-following-new-ceo-appointment/

https://sbcnews.co.uk/retail/2025/03/24/sun-international-ceo/