As October begins, the gaming industry experiences notable workforce changes across various companies. SBC Americas highlights the following recent developments in North America's commercial gaming sector.
BetMGM's Chief Marketing Officer, Casey Hurbis, is stepping down after nearly two years in the role. Having joined BetMGM in 2024 after serving seven years as CMO at Rocket Mortgage, Hurbis noted his tenure in a LinkedIn post. He stated, "After a high-velocity chapter at BetMGM, I’m moving on. We didn’t just move the needle; we enjoyed BetMGM's best year ever, and we redefined the brand playbook." Hurbis has not yet announced his next career move but mentioned that his marketing team made significant strides, integrating AI and enhancing social engagement.
In a related shift, EPIC Global Solutions has hired former DAZN Senior Vice President of Product Growth, Chetan Pandya, as its new managing director. Pandya expressed his enthusiasm about joining a field critical to the future of global sports and gambling. "The opportunity to help shape how organizations approach prevention, responsibility, and long-term sustainability at scale is incredibly compelling," he said. He will guide the company's strategy to mitigate gambling-related harm amid growing regulatory scrutiny and assist in its growth as North America's gaming market expands. CEO Paul Buck highlighted Pandya's experience as a valuable asset for EPIC’s goals in player protection.
In another development, Elisa Richardson is leaving her position as vice president of communications at PrizePicks after starting with the company in 2023. She praised her colleagues, saying, "I had the opportunity to work alongside some of the most ambitious, sharp, and creative people in the industry. We didn’t follow a playbook. We built one." Richardson is transitioning to a new C-suite role with a holding company and venture studio backed by PrizePicks' founder and former CEO, Adam Wexler.
Meanwhile, Rivalry, a Canadian gaming operator, is facing a significant reduction in its board members, now down to just one active member, CEO Steven Salz. The board has lost five members, including co-founders Ryan White and Kevin Wimer, with White serving as the chief technology officer and Wimer as the chief operating officer. Interim CFO Demi Abidogun-Benson also resigned. These departures occurred following the suspension of player activity amid a potential sale of the company.
Lastly, ProphetX has strengthened its legal and compliance team by hiring Bruce Fekrat as chief legal officer and appointing Gabriel Wong as chief compliance and risk officer. Both will aid the sports prediction exchange in navigating regulatory challenges. CEO Dean Sisun stated, "With decades of combined experience at the intersection of innovative markets, financial technology, and regulation, ProphetX is thrilled to have Bruce and Gabriel join the team at this pivotal moment in our growth trajectory." Both Fekrat and Wong bring extensive experience from other notable firms, with Fekrat previously at CME Group and Wong at Crypto.com.
