ZEAL Network SE, a German e-commerce online lottery group, will part ways with its current CEO at the start of next year.
Dr Helmut Becker, current CEO of the company, informed ZEAL’s Supervisory Board of his decision to step down once his contract expires on 31 January 2026.
Overseeing a transformative decade
Serving more than 12 years on the Executive Board of Zeal, including a 10-year stint as the CEO, Becker has decided to not extend his contract and instead explore a new entrepreneurial path after his tenure concludes.
Becker has been the CEO of ZEAL since 1 September 2015, having previously served as the firm’s CMO for more than two years. Under his leadership, ZEAL achieved several successful milestones, including the company’s return to the German market, the acquisition of LOTTO24AG, as well as the expansion of its portfolio with the freiheit+ and Traumhausverlosung products.
Until his contract ends, Becker states he will remain fully committed to exercising his role as CEO of ZEAL and support a smooth transition when time is due for his successor to be selected.
He commented: “ZEAL is in an excellent position to continue to grow in the future. After almost ten years as CEO, I have decided that now is the right time to pursue my own entrepreneurial endeavours.
“This has been a difficult decision for me. I will especially miss our exceptionally strong team and the unique culture we have built together, characterised by innovation, customer focus and team spirit. I will continue to work hard until the end of my term to achieve the goals we have set together.
ZEAL’s Supervisory Board will soon initiate the process of finding a successor to Becker as the CEO.
Peter Steiner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, added: “The Supervisory Board of ZEAL Network SE has noted with great regret Helmut Becker’s decision not to seek a contract extension. Helmut Becker has played a decisive role in taking ZEAL’s business development to a new level.
“Under his leadership, ZEAL has established itself as a market leader in the online lottery market, significantly expanded its customer base and crucially broadened its offering through innovative product development.
“On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I would like to thank him for his outstanding commitment and strategic vision. We wish him all the best for his personal life and professional career.”