Kateryna Biloruska Sells Parimatch Shares to Sergey Portnov, Exits iGaming Industry!
Last update: 01 October, 2024Kateryna Biloruska has sold her controlling stake in Parimatch Group to fellow Co-Owner Sergey Portnov, marking a significant change in leadership for the sports betting operator. Sources close to the transaction revealed that Portnov, who previously served as CEO, has also bought out the shares of other minority shareholders. With this, he is set to become the sole owner of Parimatch Group.
Biloruska’s departure signals the end of her decade-long involvement in the iGaming industry, where she played a pivotal role in shaping Parimatch’s growth. According to these sources, Biloruska will step down from all official roles within the company as she looks to explore new opportunities outside the iGaming space.
In a reflective post on her LinkedIn page, Biloruska shared her thoughts on her next steps: “Ten+ years in iGaming taught me one thing: innovation never stops. It's time to turn the page and embrace a new challenge. After more than ten years in the dynamic world of iGaming, I have decided to leave the industry, which has been a major part of my life and career. I am stepping down from my role as a board member of Energame. It has been a fantastic journey and a huge responsibility, and I am honored to have been entrusted with it."
Biloruska also highlighted her desire to explore new ventures, stating: “I am going to recharge and reflect on what's next. My passion is to drive positive change by identifying and supporting innovative projects and ideas. I aim to pursue new opportunities utilizing my knowledge and experience with a focus on strategic investments.”
As for Sergey Portnov, he has been with Parimatch since 2011, initially joining as Marketing Director. Over time, Portnov ascended to the position of CEO, before later becoming a shareholder and, most recently, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board in 2024. His deep involvement with the company for over a decade has been instrumental in Parimatch's evolution into one of the leading names in the sports betting sector.
While Parimatch Group has not officially commented on the transaction, the change in ownership marks a new chapter for the company. Portnov, who has a wealth of experience and strategic insight into the iGaming industry, is expected to continue steering the company as it navigates the competitive landscape of global sports betting.
Biloruska’s departure is a notable event in the iGaming world, especially given her prominence as an advocate for women's leadership within the industry. In a 2021 interview with *Gambling Insider*, she discussed the increasing opportunities for women to advance into executive positions in gambling, highlighting the importance of diversity and leadership development.