Kickertech CEO Laimonas Žukas Departs After Two-Year Tenure at Betsson Subsidiary

Laimonas Žukas has stepped down as chief executive officer of Kickertech, leaving the Betsson Group subsidiary after two years at the helm. Žukas confirmed his departure in July 2026, with Kickertech and its parent company Betsson AB yet to announce a replacement. The CEO transition occurs during a period of shifting revenue figures for Betsson’s B2B segment and follows on from Betsson’s acquisition of the supplier in 2022.

Kickertech Leadership Change: Žukas Steps Down as CEO

Žukas’ resignation from Kickertech was first disclosed in July 2026 and made public via his LinkedIn post in September. He joined the Malta-based supplier in August 2024, taking over the role after a diverse career in both the health tech and iGaming sectors. Kickertech is now searching for its next chief executive, but as of September 2026, the company has yet to confirm a successor.

“I stepped down as CEO of Kickertech back in July. After Kilo, where I ran the company from the operational side as COO, I wanted to test myself with the full seat. Kickertech was that test for two years. Bonus was coming back to igaming, where I spent most of my career. From outside it looks like a dark basement. From inside it’s one of the most dynamic, open and honestly friendly industries I know.” — Laimonas Žukas, former CEO, Kickertech

Kickertech and Betsson: Strategic Acquisition in B2B Expansion

Kickertech became part of Betsson’s portfolio in October 2022, when the Stockholm-listed operator acquired an 80% stake from TG Holdings. The €14 million deal, structured in three instalments, allowed Betsson to accelerate its B2B capabilities by adding Kickertech’s technology and team to its existing offering.

Kickertech’s integration supported Betsson’s broader strategy to grow its position as a B2B provider, diversifying beyond B2C operations and strengthening its own proprietary technology stack. Since the acquisition, Kickertech has operated as an independently run supplier within the Betsson Group structure, providing services to other operators and helping drive group-level B2B revenue.

Impact on Betsson’s B2B Revenue Performance

The leadership change at Kickertech comes during a period of pressure on Betsson’s B2B revenues. In the second quarter of 2026, Betsson reported B2B revenue of €49.1 million, a decrease from €75.6 million in Q2 2025. The group attributed the lower figure primarily to reduced revenues from a single B2B partner during the quarter.

Still, Kickertech’s role as a technology-driven supplier was seen as a key asset in Betsson’s ongoing commercial blueprint, and the management vacancy is likely to be a priority for both internal leadership and their executive recruitment partner.

Laimonas Žukas: Career Trajectory in iGaming and Tech

Laimonas Žukas brought a combination of iGaming and technology operations experience to his tenure at Kickertech. Prior to joining the supplier, Žukas served as chief operating officer of Kilo Health, a health and wellness platform, from 2019 to 2024. Earlier, he was also in the COO role at TG Labs between October 2016 and May 2019.

Žukas spent nearly seven years at TonyBet, joining the operator as chief information officer in May 2012, then stepping up to chief operating officer in April 2014. He left TonyBet in May 2019. His return to iGaming with Kickertech marked a re-entry into a sector where he developed much of his executive experience.

Žukas has not disclosed any future career plans. Kickertech’s next CEO is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, as Betsson completes the search for a leader to steer the supplier in its next phase.

Outlook for Kickertech and Executive Search

The immediate vacancy at Kickertech adds urgency to Betsson’s executive recruitment process. Arnold Ash, a recruitment partner for the sector, is aligned with Kickertech and Betsson to identify experienced candidates for the CEO seat.

Maintaining continuity in Kickertech’s operations remains critical as Betsson looks to stabilise B2B revenues and capitalise on Kickertech’s value as a technology supplier. Observers will watch both the final appointment and further developments in Betsson’s B2B performance over the coming quarters.