PointsBet Holdings Limited has confirmed a planned leadership transition that will see Andrew Catterall assume the role of group chief executive officer from 1 February 2026, subject to customary gaming licensing and regulatory approvals. The appointment marks a shift at the top of the Australian-listed wagering group as long-serving chief executive Sam Swanell prepares to step back from day-to-day management while remaining closely involved in the business.

Catterall currently serves as chief executive officer for PointsBet’s Australian operations and will succeed Swanell following a structured transition and handover period. During this time, Swanell will continue to support the business before moving into an advisory position within the group. He will also remain on the board as an executive director.

Planned Transition at Executive Level

PointsBet said the leadership change has been designed to ensure continuity as the company operates across regulated wagering markets. Catterall’s appointment reflects a decision to elevate an internal executive with detailed knowledge of the group’s core operations and regulatory environment.

Catterall joined PointsBet in 2022 as CEO of its Australian business. Since then, he has overseen a period of operational change, product development, and strengthened commercial performance in the company’s home market. His career spans more than 20 years across wagering, media, sport, and digital industries.

Before joining PointsBet, Catterall was chief executive officer of Racing.com, where he led growth in audience reach, digital engagement, and commercial outcomes. His previous roles also include senior executive positions at the Australian Football League, Racing Victoria, Beyond Boundaries Group, and the Boston Consulting Group.

As group CEO, Catterall will take responsibility for overseeing PointsBet’s broader operations, including its businesses in Australia and Canada. His remit will include strategy execution, technology development, regulatory compliance, and customer growth across jurisdictions where the company operates.

Board Endorsement and Leadership Continuity:

PointsBet chairman Brett Paton acknowledged Swanell’s contribution to the business and confirmed the board’s support for the new appointment.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Sam Swanell for his exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment and deep contribution to PointsBet since founding the Company,” Paton said in the company’s press release (pdf).

“Sam has guided PointsBet through every stage of its development and growth, and his continued involvement in an advisory capacity, as well as his ongoing service on the Board, will ensure the business continues to benefit from his insight and experience.”

Paton also welcomed Catterall’s elevation to the top role.

“We are delighted to appoint Andrew Catterall as Group CEO. Andrew has delivered strong performance within our Australian operations and brings extensive industry expertise, strategic capability and leadership qualities that will guide PointsBet into its next phase. The Board congratulates Andrew on his appointment and looks forward to working closely with him as he leads the Group forward.”

Swanell, one of PointsBet’s three co-founders, has served as chief executive since July 2016. He led the company through its early expansion, international market entry, and public listing on the Australian Securities Exchange. Under the transition plan, he will work closely with Catterall over the coming months to ensure an orderly transfer of responsibilities.

The executive update follows significant changes to PointsBet’s ownership and board structure during 2024. In October, Japanese technology company Mixi Inc., through its subsidiary Mixi Australia, gained control of PointsBet after completing an off-market takeover. The transaction resulted in Mixi securing approximately 66.4 percent of the company’s voting power.

Following the takeover, PointsBet shareholders approved the appointment of three Mixi-nominated directors to the board. Sho Okuyama, Kanji Kobayashi, and Taishi Oba joined as non-executive directors, while Paton remained chairman and Swanell retained his board position. Several existing directors resigned as part of the board refresh.

Despite stepping down as group CEO, Swanell’s ongoing presence in both advisory and board roles is expected to provide stability during the transition period. PointsBet has not announced any immediate changes to its business strategy in connection with the leadership update and said further details regarding executive employment agreements will be disclosed once finalised.