DAZN BET installs BoyleSports boss Mark Kemp as CEO
Streaming platform’s sports betting venture takes shape with appointment of ex-UK Tote Group MD
DAZN has appointed industry stalwart Mark Kemp as CEO for its new sportsbook venture, DAZN BET.
Kemp will join the UK-headquartered sports streaming outfit from BoyleSports when he leaves the operator in July.
Kemp, who has 20 years’ industry experience under his belt, confirmed his intention to depart the Irish bookmaker in March.
He joined BoyleSports in July 2021 from UK Tote Group where he served as MD from October 2019 and previously spent time with Ladbrokes Coral, culminating in his role as MD from April 2017 until October 2019.
He also spent five years as gaming director for digital, retail and omnichannel for Coral.
Kemp becomes the latest industry figure to link up with Shay Segev as the former Entain CEO continues to build out his team to break into sports betting.
Segev, who sees the convergence of sports media and the betting as “the future”, onboarded his former colleague, ex-Entain COO Sandeep Tiku, to become DAZN CTO and ex-William Hill head of football and US sports Liam Barbour to be SVP of future product strategy.
He also hired ex-Entain exec Ian Turnbull who was brought in as EVP of betting and gaming in September 2021.
Last week, DAZN confirmed that it had partnered with Pragmatic Group to develop a “refreshed betting product for sports fans” in the shape of DAZN BET.
The new business will be based out of Gibraltar and plans to roll out a soft beta version of the new sportsbook in time for the start of the next football season in August.
Speaking on his appointment, Kemp said: “I am delighted to be joining DAZN BET to launch such a new and exciting international brand. With the strength and expertise of DAZN in sports media, we will deliver something recreational and relevant to today’s audience.
“I am looking forward to working with the new team and DAZN to build an engaging and responsible new entertainment proposition for sports fans across the world,” he added.
DAZN, which launched six years ago, is backed by Sir Leonard Blavatnik who led the Sunday Times Rich List for the second time in 2021 after his personal fortune mushroomed by £7bn to £23bn.
The platform abandoned a play to acquire BT Sport early this year after reportedly being on the cusp of completing the £600m deal.