SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
FairPlay Sports Media (FPSM), oddschecker’s holding company, has appointed two new senior executives; Jerome Underhill and Andrew Smith.
The duo will further strengthen FairPlay’s content strategy, with Underhill taking the role of a Chief Operating Officer and Smith becoming Chief Financial Officer.
Embracing the tech arms race
In early 2024, oddschecker Global Media became FairPlay Sports Media to better align with the vision of becoming an internationally-recognised sports media network rather than just an odds-based service.
The company has since been gradually making advancements in its technology division, rapidly adopting the modern trends that are required to remain competitive in today’s fast-paced market.
Speaking to SBC News this month, Kelly Brooks, Chief Product Officer at FairPlay Sports Media, said: “We are empowering our network, users and partners with differentiated and globalised engagement tools and technologies. These critical and scalable assets are defined by the term ‘BetTech.’
“The FairPlay brands will all be aligned to use data, technology, and AI to deliver live and top-quality sports content, insights and analysis, pricing, and tips and bonuses to sports fans.”
New expertise welcome
Underhill was previously the General Manager International at Xandr – the advertising and analytics subsidiary of Microsoft. He therefore has experience in technology-driven businesses.
In the new role, he will focus on innovation across FPSM’s portfolio, centralising efforts on product development and market expansion.
Underhill commented on his appointment: “The FairPlay Sports Media vision is hugely exciting to be a part of.
“We’re operating at the crossroads of sports media and betting technology, two sectors with major growth potential as they evolve with the catalyst of AI at their cores, and I’m very confident we’ll play a major role in advancing both for the better.”
Meanwhile, Smith has just under 10 years worth of experience in financial leadership and iGaming and technology industries. He previously held the role of CFO at gambling software development company, Playtech.
“With strong leadership and committed investment partners in Bruin Capital, FairPlay Sports Media has a platform to continue on its growth trajectory that will see us playing a pivotal part in the global sports media and betting ecosystems for years to come,” the new CFO added on his new role.
In more detail, Smith will oversee financial strategy and managing investments in product and international operations.
