Tipico Group has appointed Mate Bacic as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2026, marking a strategic leadership transition following the company's successful acquisition by Banijay Group. The appointment represents a promotion from within, as Bacic brings nearly a decade of experience with the German sports betting leader.
Internal Succession Following Strategic Acquisition
Bacic succeeds Axel Hefer, who will depart Tipico on his own request after completing the company's sale to Banijay Group. The leadership change comes as Tipico, Germany's leading sports betting and online gaming provider, enters a new growth phase under its new ownership structure. Through its subsidiary ADMIRAL Austria, Tipico also maintains market leadership in Austria's competitive gaming sector.
The newly appointed CEO has spent nearly a decade building his career within the Tipico organization. Most recently, Bacic served as CEO of the Atlas Group, where he successfully orchestrated the integration of ADMIRAL Austria into the broader Tipico Group structure. Prior to that role, he functioned as Managing Director of Tipico Retail Services GmbH, spearheading the development and restructuring of the company's extensive retail network.
Atlas Group Integration
The Atlas Group serves as the parent entity for ADMIRAL Austria operations. This organizational structure allows for streamlined management of multi-brand portfolios across different European markets, with each subsidiary maintaining distinct operational frameworks while benefiting from shared resources and strategic oversight.
Extensive Retail Operations and Leadership Background
Under Bacic's oversight, Tipico's physical presence expanded to encompass more than 1,250 shops across Germany and Austria. This substantial retail footprint represents a key differentiator in markets where online and offline gaming experiences increasingly converge. His operational expertise extends beyond Tipico, having spent more than ten years in senior positions at Telefónica in Germany before joining the gaming industry.
“I am very excited to lead Tipico in this decisive phase. We have a strong brand, a highly engaged team and reliable partners at our side. Together with Banijay, we will accelerate innovations, invest in technology and set new standards in service. We want to offer sports betting fans the best and safest experience – online as well as in our more than 1,250 shops. My thanks also go to Axel for the trusting cooperation and his significant contribution to Tipico's excellent positioning for the future.”
— Mate Bacic, Designated CEO of Tipico Group
1,250+
Retail shops across Germany and Austria
10+ years
Bacic's experience at Telefónica Germany
3 years
Hefer's tenure as CEO
May 1, 2026
Bacic's CEO start date
Strategic Transformation Under Previous Leadership
Axel Hefer's tenure, spanning approximately three years, focused on positioning Tipico for international expansion and eventual sale. His leadership oversaw several major strategic initiatives, including the divestment of the US business operations, the acquisition of Austrian market leader ADMIRAL Group, and the completion of the merger with Banijay. These moves successfully transformed Tipico into a European sports betting and gaming champion.
“I came to Tipico Group almost three years ago with a clear goal: to set the course for future international growth. With the sale to Banijay Group, my work has been successfully completed. I am convinced that with Mate Bacic at the helm and as part of Banijay Gaming, the company is excellently positioned for the future. I wish Mate and the entire team the greatest possible success for the coming years. At the same time, I thank all colleagues for their trust and excellent cooperation.”
— Axel Hefer, Departing CEO of Tipico Group
M&A Integration Best Practices
Successful gaming industry acquisitions typically require 18-24 months for complete integration. Key factors include maintaining existing customer relationships, harmonizing technology platforms, and preserving local market expertise while achieving operational synergies across combined entities.
Stakeholder Perspectives on Leadership Transition
The appointment has garnered support from key stakeholders in the transaction. Nicolas Béraud, founder of Betclic and Chairman of Banijay Gaming, expressed confidence in Bacic's ability to contribute to building a major European platform, citing his comprehensive industry experience and deep knowledge of the Tipico Group.
“In connection with the completion of Banijay Gaming's acquisition of Tipico Group, I am convinced that Mate, with his comprehensive industry experience, his sound knowledge of Tipico Group and his leadership strength, will significantly contribute to building a large, European platform. Axel was a reliable partner in the Betclic/Tipico transaction – I wish him all the best for the next phase of his career.”
— Nicolas Béraud, Founder of Betclic and Chairman of Banijay Gaming
Daniel Pindur, Managing Partner and Co-Head of CVC DACH, emphasized the strength of promoting from within, noting Bacic's operational experience and strategic vision as ideal qualifications for the new role.
Banijay Gaming's Portfolio Strategy
Banijay Gaming, through its Betclic platform, focuses on building a pan-European gaming ecosystem. The acquisition of Tipico represents a strategic move to combine French market expertise with German-Austrian market leadership, creating cross-border synergies in product development and customer acquisition.
Market Position and Future Growth Strategy
The leadership transition positions Tipico to leverage its strong market presence across German-speaking Europe while pursuing expanded opportunities under Banijay ownership. With Bacic's focus on maintaining market leadership in both Germany and Austria, the company aims to accelerate innovation, increase technology investments, and establish new service standards in the competitive sports betting landscape.
The appointment of an internal candidate with extensive retail and integration experience signals Tipico's commitment to operational excellence during its transition to European expansion under new ownership.
German Sports Betting Market Context
Germany's Interstate Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag) regulates the €3.3 billion sports betting market. Licensed operators must comply with strict advertising restrictions, deposit limits, and responsible gambling measures. Retail presence provides compliance advantages and customer trust benefits in this heavily regulated environment.
According to Tipico Group.
