End product: Kindred Group's Erik Backlund on switching from sportsbook to CPO
EGR sits down with the newly appointed chief product officer to discuss diversification, differentiation and his long career in online sports betting
EGR IntelEGR Intel: How does it feel after spending 11 years as head of sportsbook to make the transition to CPO? Erik Backlund (EB):EGR Intel: Did the promotion come as a shock after being in the same role for so long? Did you think this opportunity had perhaps passed you by?EB:EGR Intel: Kindred is live in the US with the Unibet brand – is the product unique enough to cut-through the market?EB:EGR Intel: Similar to a symbiotic relationship where you work together to find the best fit?EB:EGR Intel: What was the thinking behind launching your own pay and play casino brand (Otto Kasino) in the Nordics this summer?EB:EGR Intel: What is Kindred’s plan for the German market following regulatory changes in the country?EB:EGR Intel: Do you think the roadmap in your new role will be a case of carrying on Fredrik’s work or are you putting a brand new vision in place? EB:EGR Intel: Kindred said a strong focus on product diversification helped deliver strong Q2 results – what’s the significance of developing alternative verticals?EB:EGR Intel: What examples of differentiation are in the pipeline for Kindred?EB:EGR Intel: What are your hopes and expectations as CPO of Kindred over the next 12-24 months?EB: