Entain has launched an executive search for a new Chief Marketing Officer for its UK business following the departure of Charlotte Emery, who leaves after two years overseeing marketing activity across several of the gambling group’s major brands.

The company confirmed that Emery departed on mutually agreed terms. Her successor will take responsibility for the marketing strategy and media investment supporting Ladbrokes, Coral, Gala and Foxy Bingo. The role will also cover the development of those brands as Entain reviews its position in the UK market.

Emery joined Entain in June 2024 when the company created the CMO position. During her tenure, she led a marketing operation of around 230 employees and managed a budget of approximately £250 million across UK brands that also included Party.

She also served on Entain’s UK Executive Committee. During that period, she contributed to the strategy behind five consecutive quarters of growth and oversaw the wider use of artificial intelligence within the marketing department. Her responsibilities also included the relaunches of Ladbrokes and Gala.

Agency Reviews Reshaped Entain’s Marketing Setup

Several major agency decisions took place under Emery’s leadership.

In June 2025, Ladbrokes selected Atomic London as its lead creative agency after a competitive review overseen by Emery. Later in the year, Entain completed another review covering its UK and Ireland media account, estimated at £90 million.

The company appointed PHD, part of Omnicom Media Group, to handle the account previously managed by the7stars. The new arrangement covered Ladbrokes, Coral, Gala and Foxy Bingo.

Entain has not said whether the next CMO will retain the current agency structure or make further changes. The company has also not announced a timetable for completing the appointment process.

Emery’s work outside Entain’s internal marketing operation included participation in Betting and Gaming Council committees dealing with advertising and advert technology.

Before joining Entain, she worked independently as a strategy adviser and consultant. Earlier in her career, she spent more than four years in senior positions at William Hill, where her roles included global brand chief officer and global brand marketing director.

Her previous experience also included brand roles at British American Tobacco. She worked earlier in her career with Twinings and Bacardi Global Brands, as well as Homepride Foods.

As reported by SBC News, Entain UK and Ireland Managing Director Bejay Patel acknowledged Emery’s contribution to the business following confirmation of her departure.

“Charlotte has played a significant role in the continued growth and development of our UK brands – Ladbrokes, Coral, Gala and Foxy.

“Charlotte lead the marketing function with passion and energy over the last two years. We would like to thank her for her contribution and wish her every success in the future.”

Emery also drew wider attention in 2025 when she took part as an amateur jockey in the Markel Magnolia Cup at Glorious Goodwood. A fundraising campaign supported by Coral UK raised more than £56,000 for The King’s Trust International, with the funds directed toward education and training programmes for young women in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Departure Comes During Wider Efficiency Review

The leadership change takes place while Entain continues a broader cost and efficiency programme under Chief Executive Stella David.

The group recently confirmed plans to remove around 500 positions globally. The initiative is being led in part by new Chief Financial Officer Michael Snape and affects several corporate functions.

Entain plans job reductions across areas including people and finance, while governance functions are also affected. Product and technology teams will face cuts as well, although the company has not provided detailed figures for individual departments.

The company described the programme as focused on improving “operational efficiency and agility”.

Entain has said the reductions do not represent a response to recent increases in UK gambling taxes. The company has announced no redundancies within its UK marketing division, and there is no indication that Emery’s departure is connected to the wider workforce reductions.

Recruitment for her replacement has already started.

New CMO to Take Role During UK Strategy Review

The incoming marketing chief will join as Entain reassesses its UK strategy and the level of funding allocated to key brands during its 2026 business review.

Ladbrokes and Coral remain central to those plans. Entain aims to improve their competitive position and strengthen market share from 2027 onward as changes to the UK gambling market affect operating conditions.

One of the major financial factors facing the sector is the new 40% Remote Gambling Duty regime. Entain is considering its UK plans against that tax environment while reviewing how it supports its largest domestic brands.

The next CMO will therefore inherit responsibility for a marketing structure that underwent substantial changes during Emery’s tenure. The position includes oversight of established agency relationships and major brand investment, while Entain continues its wider assessment of costs and priorities across the business.

Entain has confirmed that its executive search is underway, though it has not disclosed when it expects to name Emery’s successor.