FDJ United, the new name for France’s La Française des Jeux (FDJ), has unveiled a new Executive Committee with Kindred Group CEO Nils Andén taking on the role of chief online betting and gaming officer.
Following the integration of Kindred Group, FDJ has been restructured into four business units; French lottery and retail sports betting; Online betting and gaming; International lottery (including Premier Lotteries Ireland); and Payment and services (under the Nirio brand).
Andén takes charge of FDJ’s online betting and gaming business, while the three other business units remain under their existing leadership.
Long-serving Patrick Buffard remains in charge of FDJ’s lottery and retail sports betting business in France, and Giovanna D’Esposito continues as chief international lottery officer, having joined the company six months ago. Raphaël Botbol remains as chief payment and services officer, having led the business for the past six years.
The new Executive Committee is currently formed of 16 members and includes only Andén from Kindred Group.
The four business units will be supported by cross-functional departments covering areas such as innovation, technology, digital acceleration, data and AI, as well as usual group functions.
“The group’s new operating model highlights the digitalisation, diversification and globalisation of its activities,” said the company. “It represents the newest phase in the organisational transformation of the group, which is now present in nearly 15 countries.”
To reflect its new strategy aimed at achieving long-term growth across Europe, FDJ has changed its name to FDJ United.
“The betting and gaming sector is constantly evolving, both in France and abroad,” said FDJ United chairwoman and CEO Stéphane Pallez. “In this environment, we have always succeeded in reinventing ourselves and adapting to key trends in our market. The group’s IPO in 2019 marked the start of a new stage in this journey, and the recent acquisition of Kindred opens up even more new possibilities.
“Today, our group begins a new chapter in its history – more diversified and more international. With FDJ United, we are continuing on this adventure, driven by our passion and determination, for the benefit of all our stakeholders.”
FDJ United’s new Executive Committee:
Stéphane Pallez, Chairwoman and CEO
Charles Lantieri, Deputy CEO and Chairman of the FDJ Corporate Foundation
Pascal Chaffard, Chief Financial Officer, Strategy and Performance leader
Patrick Buffard, Chief French Lottery and Retail Sports betting Officer
Nils Andén, Chief Online Betting and Gaming Officer
Giovanna D’Esposito, Chief International Lottery Officer
Raphaël Botbol, Chief Payment and Services Officer, Innovation leader
Valérie Berche, Chief Audit and Risks Officer
Dominique Cavalié, Chief Human Resources and Transformation Officer
Xavier Etienne, Chief Technology Officer
Cécile Lagé, Chief Executive Advisor
Nathalie Le Garlantezec, Chief Communications Officer
Elisabeth Monégier du Sorbier, General counsel and Secretary to the Board of Directors
Vincent Perrotin, Chief Sustainability Officer
Sébastien Rozanes, Chief Digital, Data & AI Officer
Celia Verot, Chief Regulatory Officer
Shares in La Française des Jeux SA (FDJ) were down 10.92 per cent at €33.60 per share in Paris Thursday morning following the release of the company’s financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024.