Unibet creates head of new channels role

Swedish-listed operator Unibet has appointed Robert Smith to the newly created role of head of new channels, eGaming Review has learned.

Smith, who previously spent more than seven years as head of technology and infrastructure at financial spread betting company ETX Capital, is to lead Unibet’s mobile, tablet and television divisions as part of a strategy to increase integration across the departments.

Smith joined Unibet shortly after the firm released its financial results for the three months ended 30 June which showed strong growth in mobile revenues which accounted for 19% of gross winning revenues, up from 8% in Q2 2012.

His appointment follows the departure of Unibet’s head of mobile Robert Jenkins, who eGR understands will not be replaced but whose responsibilities will instead fall under Smith’s remit.

Jenkins had been at the firm for two years having previously served as acting head of mobile at Manchester United until September 2011. The mobile team now comprises Tom Finlayson as leader of the development team and Erez Leket as mobile product owner.

Last month, Unibet’s head of poker Steve Cutler left after spending six years with the operator and is currently working as a consultant for the egaming industry. Cutler was replaced by Martin Stalros who previously worked at Ladbrokes and was initially hired as operations/business development manager for Unibet.