Former BoyleSports and Entain product lead joins RMG c-level team

Ryan Thurburn has joined Racecourse Media Group (RMG) senior leadership as its first Chief Product Officer (CPO), bringing with him extensive experience of bookmaking business.

The new CPO’s prior roles in betting and gaming have included tenures at high profile omnichannel operators, including a stint as Head of Sportsbook Product at Entain and Head of Product for its Ladbrokes Coral retail and online betting division.

His most recent role was at BoyleSports – which is currently rolling out its brand across the UK high-street – where he worked as Director of Product. His tenure with the Ireland-headquartered bookmaker saw a focus on a data-led product strategy and development of the firm’s UX/UI functions.

Thurburn remarked: “I’m thrilled to be joining RMG, which has achieved great success through driving innovation in racing – the bedrock of the betting industry. 

“As someone who has worked within betting for many years, the opportunity to influence positively the direction of the sport through product innovation, for the consumer, whilst stimulating growth for shareholders, is one that fosters excitement and passion.”

“I am very much looking forward to working with the RMG leadership team as well as other internal and external stakeholders to define a modern, forward thinking, innovative vision and strategy to cultivate growth for shareholders – with customers and the sport at the very heart of everything.”

A media rights holder of international horse racing, which it distributes to licensed betting operators, RMG created Thurburn’s CPO position as part of a wider strategic focus on using innovation to enhance engagement with horse racing.

Thurburn’s responsibilities will be to deliver a thorough customer experience to racing viewers and bettors via RMG’s products, including cooperation with the betting and gaming industry to achieve this.

Martin Stevenson, CEO of RMG, said: “In such a competitive environment, innovation is key to the future success of our business, products, and the sport. Our recent roll-out of in-play demonstrates the innovation opportunities that can be available to horseracing with the right technology, vision, and execution. 

“Ryan undoubtedly has the track record to develop that vision and create the strategy to achieve it. We warmly welcome Ryan, who is held in high regard within the betting industry. His appointment is a hugely positive step in helping us to continue delivering the best possible returns for our racecourses and the sport of horseracing.”

Engagement with fans and bettors have become an increasingly important area of focus for the British horse racing industry and its stakeholders of late. This has been elaborated on by several interviewees with SBC News, such as Fitzdares CEO William Woodhams and UK Tote Group CEO Alex Frost and B2C and Liquidity Director Jamie Hart.