PokerStars adds Paddy Power stalwart as director of product

PokerStars has appointed long-term Flutter manager Stephen McMeel as its new director of product for its casino arm.

McMeel joins PokerStars after a stint as associate director of customer growth for Flutter Entertainment after spending almost 10 years with Paddy Power Betfair.

He originally joined the Irish bookmaker in September 2011 as an online development graduate before making his way up the ranks.

After completing the graduate programme, McMeel was appointed as an igaming business analyst before becoming a sportsbook business analyst in May 2013.

After two research positions, McMeel stepped into his first managerial role in April 2017 as a product innovation manager.

Two promotions followed in as many years as he first stepped up to become product manager for emerging products and then lead product manager in his final role with Paddy Power.

McMeel will continue to be based in Dublin and will oversee the product development for PokerStars in his new role.

Touching on his appointment, McMeel said: “It’s been an incredible year in Flutter International and now I’m absolutely thrilled to say that journey continues as I start a new position as director of product for PokerStars Casino. This is going to be fun.”

McMeel’s promotion to director level comes amid a series of changes at Flutter, with high profile departures including UK and Ireland CEO Conor Grant and associate director Louise Amos.