Neil Banbury takes charge of Sky Betting & Gaming

Neil Banbury has become managing director of Flutter Entertainment’s Sky Betting & Gaming (SBG), joining after more than 15 years at Kindred Group. He took up the position on October 1, 2026. 

The appointment follows Steve Birch’s departure from SBG in December 2025. Banbury arrives with experience leading UK operations at Kindred, where he most recently served as chief commercial and marketing officer. His earlier responsibilities spanned strategy, financial operations and business intelligence.

Banbury brings UK leadership and commercial experience

Confirming the move on LinkedIn, Banbury acknowledged the difficulties facing UK gambling while identifying SBG’s brands, Flutter’s backing and the team’s customer knowledge as strengths. He also expressed his longstanding admiration for the business and enthusiasm for leading it. 

Banbury joined Kindred in September 2010 as an analyst and progressed to its executive team. His positions included UK general manager, head of UK strategy and finance operations, and head of strategic planning and intelligence. Before joining the gambling industry, he worked in tax advisory at Ernst & Young and recruitment at Reed.

The SBG role marks his return to work after a six-month break spent traveling with his family. In announcing the appointment, Banbury also thanked his former Kindred colleagues for their trust, support and contribution to his career.