International Entertainment Corp (IEC), the owner of the Philippines’ LaVie Resort & Casino which includes New Coast Hotel Manila, has strengthened its leadership team via the appointment of former 888 Chairman and CEO Brian Mattingley as an independent non-executive Director.
He replaces Cheng Hong Wai, who has tendered his resignation.
The appointment of Mattingley, who was also until recently Chairman of leading iGaming platform provider Playtech PLC, comes with Philippines eGames giant DigiPlus in the process of assuming a controlling stake in IEC. The move is seen as providing DigiPlus with a sprawling omnichannel platform from which to expand its influence across the growing Philippines gaming market.
Mattingley, 74, served as non-executive Chairman of Playtech from April 2021 until he stepped down last May. He previously served as CEO of UK-based sportsbook and poker operator 888 Holdings PLC, now known as Evoke, between February 2011 and March 2015 after which time he was redesignated as Executive Chairman – a position he held until March 2021.
According to information from IEC, Mattingley has entered into a letter of appointment with the company for an initial term of three years commencing from 23 March 2026 and is entitled to annual remuneration of US$80,000. He has also been appointed a member of the Audit Committee of the Board, a member of the Nomination Committee and a member of the Remuneration Committee.
As reported by Inside Asian Gaming, IEC recently issued a first tranche of Subscription Notes in the amount of HK$800 million (US$102.5 million) to DigiPlus – part of a Subscription agreement inked between the two companies in November for DigiPlus to assume a controlling stake in IEC and its primary asset – the recently rebranded LaVie Resort & Casino.
Upon issue of the entire HK$1.6 billion (US$205 million) in Subscription Notes and full conversion, DigiPlus will hold a 53.89% stake in IEC.
DigiPlus stated previously that by assuming an interest in a land-based casino-resort, it would “strengthen DigiPlus’ omnipresent entertainment ecosystem by adding a strategic offline platform that seamlessly connects with its digital network, enhancing brand activation, player engagement, and customer experience across both physical and online touchpoints.”
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