- Mate Bacic to become CEO of Tipico, effective 1 May 2026
- Bacic succeeds Axel Hefer who has decided to step down following the successful completion of Tipico’s acquisition by Banijay Group
- Bacic will lead the company into its next phase of growth, bringing nearly a decade of experience within Tipico Group. He most recently served as CEO of the Atlas Group, where he oversaw the successful integration of ADMIRAL Austria
The Tipico Group, the leading provider of sports betting and online gaming in Germany and market leader in Austria through its subsidiary ADMIRAL Austria, has appointed Mate Bacic as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective 1 May 2026. He succeeds Axel Hefer, who has decided to step down following the successful completion of Tipico’s acquisition by the Banijay Group.
With Mate Bacic, who has been part of the Tipico Group for nearly a decade, the company is filling its top position from within its own ranks. As Managing Director of Tipico Retail Services GmbH, he played a key role in building and transforming the retail network, which today comprises more than 1,250 shops across Germany and Austria. Most recently, as CEO of the Atlas Group, he led the successful integration of ADMIRAL Austria into the Tipico Group. Prior to joining Tipico, Mate Bacic held senior leadership positions at Telefónica in Germany for more than ten years. As the CEO, he will focus on further strengthening market leadership in Germany and Austria and will guide the company into its next phase of growth as part of the Banijay Group.
Mate Bacic, incoming CEO of the Tipico Group, says: “I am very much looking forward to be leading Tipico at this defining moment. We have a strong brand, a highly engaged team, and reliable partners by our side. Together with Banijay, we will accelerate innovation, invest in technology, and set new standards in service. Our ambition is to deliver the best and safest experience for sports betting fans – across our digital platforms and more than 1,250 shops. I would also like to thank Axel for the trust and close collaboration, and for his significant contribution to positioning Tipico so well for the future.”
He succeeds Axel Hefer, who joined with the mandate to prepare the Tipico Group for a sale through international growth. Under his leadership, the US business was divested, the Austrian market leader ADMIRAL Group was acquired, and the merger with Banijay was completed – in doing so, he successfully laid the foundation for Tipico’s transformation into a European champion in sports betting and gaming.
Axel Hefer, outgoing CEO of the Tipico Group, says: “I joined the Tipico Group nearly three years ago with a clear objective: to set the course for future international growth. With the sale to the Banijay Group, that mission has been successfully accomplished. I am confident 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 in the years ahead. At the same time, I would like to thank all colleagues for their trust and outstanding collaboration.”
Nicolas Béraud, Founder of Betclic and Chairman of Banijay Gaming, says: “In the context of the closing of the acquisition of Tipico Group by Banijay Gaming, I am very confident that Mate’s leadership will contribute to the building of a truly scaled European platform – thanks to his extensive industry experience and a deep knowledge of Tipico group. Axel has been a trusted counterpart in the Betclic/Tipico transaction, and I wish him all the best for the next chapter of his career.”
Daniel Pindur, Managing Partner and Co-Head of CVC DACH, says: “The fact that we are able to appoint Mate Bacic – a leader who has shaped this company from within for many years – speaks to the strength and continuous development of Tipico as it enters this new phase. With his operational experience and clear strategic vision, he is the ideal choice for this next chapter. At the same time, on behalf of the entire leadership team, we would like to thank Axel Hefer for his excellent work in paving the way for Tipico’s further expansion across Europe.”
