Flutter Appoints Edward Traynor Interim Chief Legal Officer As Don Liu Retires

Flutter Entertainment has appointed Edward Traynor as interim Group Chief Legal Officer following the retirement of Don Liu, who has stepped down after almost 18 months with the gambling group. Traynor officially assumed the position on 1 October and will combine the responsibilities with his existing role as Flutter’s Group Company Secretary.

Liu submitted his resignation to Flutter’s board on 28 September before formally stepping down two days later. His departure brings an end to a stint that lasted significantly longer than originally planned, having come out of retirement in April 2025 to take the interim Chief Legal Officer position on what was initially expected to be a three-month basis.

“Initially sold to me as a three-month summer gig in London as Flutter’s interim group CLO, the opportunity to try something completely different at the world’s leading online gaming company was too irresistible,” Liu said.

“Of course, I wound up working there for almost 18 months. It was a wonderful detour from my retirement.”

Traynor Steps Into Interim Position

Traynor provides Flutter with an experienced internal replacement, having served as Group Company Secretary since April 2015. He will continue in that position while overseeing the group’s legal function on an interim basis, with Flutter yet to announce plans for a permanent appointment.

Before joining Flutter more than 11 years ago, Traynor spent much of his career in the telecommunications industry. His previous experience included more than seven years with Vodafone and five years at Fónua before making the move to Flutter.

His expanded responsibilities come as Flutter continues to operate across a growing international portfolio of gambling brands and regulated markets. The company has not indicated how long Traynor is expected to remain in the interim legal position or whether he could eventually take on the role permanently.

Liu Begins Second Retirement

Liu joined Flutter after a career spanning several industries and had no previous experience within the gambling sector before accepting the temporary position in 2025. His earlier career included roles with Xerox and US retailer Target before he initially stepped away from full-time corporate life.

What was intended to be a short return to work subsequently became an 18-month spell with Flutter. Liu said the experience had also given him a clearer idea of how he wanted to approach retirement for a second time.

“In my second attempt at retirement, I feel more confident and clear about how to make it more enjoyable, more meaningful and more relaxing,” he said.

Liu also thanked Flutter’s leadership and employees following his departure, adding: “Thank you to Flutter’s terrific executive team and board, the larger Flutter team and, most importantly, my amazing team. I thoroughly enjoyed the unexpected experience!”

Traynor now takes responsibility for the group’s legal operations alongside his existing company secretary duties while Flutter considers its longer-term arrangements for the position.