PointsBet hires ex-Fox Sports betting SVP as new strategy lead
Edward Hartman links up with Australia-headquartered operator in role focusing on strategic opportunities
PointsBet has confirmed the appointment of Edward Hartman as its new group chief strategy officer (CSO).
Hartman previously served as executive VP of business operations at the United State Football League (USFL) and as SVP of digital partnership & wagering at Fox Sports.
Prior to this, he has previously served as an SVP of corporate development at Fox Corporation and SVP of mergers & acquisitions at News Corp.
Hartman has also held the MD position at global investment management firm Caledonia and spent over a decade with international investment bank UBS.
In his new role as CSO, Hartman will lead the PointsBet’s group strategy function, working closely with its global leadership team and board to “enhance and execute” PointsBet’s strategy, while identifying new opportunities to strengthen its existing operations.
He will report to PointsBet Group CEO Sam Swannell, who welcomed the appointment of a high-calibre executive in Hartman.
“We are very pleased that a senior executive of Edward’s quality and experience is joining PointsBet,” Swannell said.
“With more than two decades of corporate and operational development experience in capital markets, media and wagering, I’m confident that his strategic insights will help maximise PointsBet’s success in our ongoing growth,” he added.
Discussing his new role, Hartman spoke of the “tremendous competitive position” PointsBet occupies in its core global markets as a significant incentive to join the firm.
“The business has incredibly strong operating momentum and a world class team of people behind it,” Hartman explained.
“I am humbled and excited to have the opportunity to help drive PointsBet’s strategic priorities, particularly in the very fast growing North American market. I look forward to working with Sam and the broader management team,” he added.
In addition to confirming the appointment of Hartman, PointsBet released its financial year 2022 results, reporting a 48% year-on-year (YoY) increase in total net win for the period to A$309.4m (£182.4m).
At a divisional level, PointsBet’s US arm continued its growth trajectory in 2022, with total net win rising 122% YoY to A$93.9m.
Australian total net win rose 30% YoY to A$215.4m over the same period.
PointsBet also generated A$200,000 in total net win from its fledgling Ontario operation following the launch of the province’s regulated igaming market on April 4.
The ASX-listed company’s shares fell almost 12% to A$2.9 following the results announcement.