Boylesports' O'Loughlin switches to group CTO role
Former online CEO will now oversee technology and innovation across both retail and digital business as Manila office opens
Irish operator Boylesports has appointed its former online CEO Keith O’Loughlin as its new group chief technology officer, eGaming Review has learned.
The move is part of an increased focus on technology and product innovation across both retail and online, which has also led to the opening of a 60-strong development hub in the Philippines.
O’Loughlin joined the Irish operator in 2011 and became CEO of the Boylesports Online division in March 2012 as it ramped up investment in its digital offering.
Since then Boylesports.com has significantly expanded its product range, notably its in-play, mobile sportsbook and online casino.
In his new role, O’Loughlin will assume responsibility for bringing new products and greater automation to the operator’s large retail estate of 192 betting shops, as well as delivering new and innovative additions to the sportsbook and gaming website.
“Technology has helped us grow rapidly in the past two years and we want to continue to invest in that area to ensure however our customer interacts with us, it is as good as possible,” O’Loughlin told eGR.
The formation of a new office in Manila late last year is another sign of the firm’s expansion plans. The team will initially focus on enhancements to Boylesports’ sports betting and gaming platform.
“[The idea for a Manila office] came about after we decided to in-source many of our specialised back-office functions, including design and development from third-party operators based in countries such as Vietnam, Russia and South Africa,” said O’Loughlin.
“Aside from now having access to the best expertise in the sector we have managed to save ourselves between 0.5 and 1m a year.”
Boylesports also opened a “strategic digital marketing hub” in London last June, headed up by ex-Sportingbet head of marketing James Arnold, as part of its plans for growth in the UK online gambling market.
A successor to O’Loughlin’s online CEO role has yet to be announced.