Leading online gaming and betting IT solutions provider Continent 8 Technologies announced major leadership changes, including the appointment of a new CEO. This comes as the company’s founder, Michael Tobin, decided to step down from the chief executive seat after 28 years in the position.
Continent 8 to Welcome a New CEO for the First Time in 28 Years
According to Continent 8’s announcement, Tobin will not be leaving the company, but transitioning to chair. At the same time, Mike Small has been appointed as the business’ new chief executive officer, effective July 15, 2026.
In a press release published on August 3, Continent 8 described Small as a tech industry veteran with some 25 years of leadership experience. Before joining Continent 8, he served as president of Akkodis North America and US Country president of The Adecco Group. During his time with Adecco, Small led large-scale technology, engineering, managed services, and workforce solutions businesses and spearheaded the company’s AI strategy.
Small’s prior experiences include time as CEO for the Americas for Sitel Group, as well as senior leadership positions at the likes of IBM, Hewlett Packard, Capgemini, and VXI & SYMBIO Global Solutions.
The appointee is no stranger to Continent 8’s business either, having served as a strategic board advisor to the company for a year. During that time, he brushed shoulders with the executive leadership and familiarized himself with the company.
As CEO of Continent 8, Small will be tasked with ushering in a new phase of international growth, while strengthening the company’s customer partnerships and growing its solutions portfolio.
Tobin will work closely with the new CEO to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities. In the meantime, his new role will see him focus on the company’s governance, strategy, and shareholder relationships.
The Leadership Change Was “Thoughtfully Planned”
Tobin commented on his departure from the CEO role, saying that he feels proud of how far Continent 8 has come in the past three decades. He said that his decision to step down was carefully planned to ensure the company’s stability.
This transition has been thoughtfully planned, and I have complete confidence in Mike’s ability to lead the company into its next chapter. His experience in scaling global technology businesses and his deep understanding of our customers and strategy, makes him the ideal leader to build on the strong foundation we have created.
Michael Tobin, chair, Continent 8 Technologies
Small also commented on his appointment, hailing the opportunity to serve a company with such a strong reputation. After spending 12 months with the business, he became convinced of its strength and potential.
Small concluded: “I look forward to working with our team to deepen customer partnerships, accelerate innovation, and continue delivering the secure, resilient, and high-performance solutions our customers depend on.”