Rush Street Interactive hires from within for new chief admin officer
VP of business development Rob Picard promoted to executive role at BetRivers and PlaySugarHouse after five years with firm
Rush Street Interactive (RSI) has promoted Rob Picard to the newly created executive role of chief administration officer (CAO).
Picard joined RSI in May 2017 in a management consultancy-based role before becoming VP of business development for the firm.
During his tenure, Picard oversaw RSI’s market access operations including commercial, tribal and lottery agreements, and the ongoing management of partnerships.
He also led M&A activities, conducting product analysis and working on finances and accounting on both internal and external company projects.
Prior to his time with RSI, Picard spent just over a year as a commercial director of B2B platform and casino services for Xanadu Consultancy and more than 13 years as co-founder and COO of Vancouver-based software technology company Pipeline49 Technology Group.
In his new role as administrative lead, Picard will be responsible for overseeing daily administrative operations, and working with RSI’s leadership to manage corporate goals and company priorities.
His role will also include driving high priority business projects, identifying efficiencies and overseeing both B2B and vendor management services and corporate development, with the aim of reducing RSI’s current cost footprint.
Picard will report directly to RSI CEO Richard Schwartz, who paid tribute to his newest executive colleague.
“From the start, Rob’s drive, integrity and expertise have aligned with RSI’s core values and mission. As our head of business development, Rob’s been an integral part of RSI’s growth and has helped position the company as a market leader,” Schwartz said.
Elsewhere, RSI has partnered with Maryland based operator Bingo World to launch its first retail sportsbook in the Free State.
The 3,000 square foot BetRivers sportsbook at Bingo World features a lounge area with 32 theater-style seats, a bar with seating and 21 hi-def video screens that surround the space airing multiple sporting events concurrently and streaming BetRivers odds boards.
Addressing the RSI launch, Schwartz waxed lyrical about the potential of the Maryland market for the BetRivers sportsbook.
“With Bingo World’s brand recognition in the Baltimore area, the easy-to-access venue, and RSI’s award-winning products and services, we look forward to delivering convenient and exciting sports betting options to retail customers and are excited about building trust and loyalty as they become familiar with our award-winning product,” he added.