Phil Richards leaves Gaming Innovation Group after close of 888Africa acquisition

Phil Richards left his role as chief financial officer of Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) on 2 November 2026 and will join software company Chaos as CFO in December 2026. The departure follows GiG’s completion of its acquisition of 80% of 888Africa for €16.4 million, a transaction announced as GiG’s return to consumer-facing operations.

Context of the departure and the acquisition

The sale of 80% of 888Africa from Evoke to Gaming Innovation Group closed for €16.4 million and allowed GiG to regain direct presence in online consumer gaming operations. The deal gives GiG access to African markets including Mozambique, Angola and Tanzania. Phil Richards described 888Africa in September as a “strategic bridge” to the group’s broader platform.

“That dual value is really the point of the deal,” wrote Richards referring to operating value and local market knowledge, in September.

During his tenure, Richards helped oversee GiG’s public listing, improvements in financial reporting and the 888Africa transaction.

Recent financial results

GiG published third-quarter 2026 results showing declining revenue, from €9.7 million to €8.5 million, and an increase in operating losses to €4.3 million from €3.5 million a year earlier. The company expects that integrating 888Africa will support growth in 2027 and projects combined revenue between €85–€90 million.

Succession and continuity

GiG has begun the search for a new chief financial officer and put procedures in place to maintain continuity in financial reporting and regulatory compliance until a successor is appointed. Richards will remain available to facilitate the transition.

GiG confirmed that Richards joined in July 2024 from senior finance roles at sportsbook technology provider Kambi and that his previous career included CFO responsibilities at Corero Network Security and positions at Shell and KPMG.

“On behalf of management and the board, I would like to thank Phil for his contribution to GiG,” said Richard Carter, CEO of GiG, in the company statement.

GiG has not set a target date to appoint a new CFO. In the meantime the company is preparing the operational integration of 888Africa and the financial oversight needed to support activity in the African markets cited; the integration work will be managed as part of its broader [b2b](/b2b) activities.