888AFRICA appoints ex-Betsson head as VP of VIP
Ryan Newton links up with Christopher Coyne and all-star team ahead of JV’s anticipated launch across the continent
888AFRICA has bolstered its senior team with the hire of former Betsson VIP lead Ryan Newton as VP of VIP.
Newton joins from Goat Interactive, where he served as director of VIP from June 2021 until May 2022.
He previously spent more than two years with Betsson, culminating in his position as VIP regional lead for Latam, CEECA, southern Europe and the UK.
Newton’s previous industry experience also includes a four-year stint with BetEasy in Australia from June 2014 until September 2018, starting as an operations team leader before working his way up to head of VIP.
Newton, who also worked with Flutter Entertainment’s Sportsbet in the early part of his career, will be based in Malta.
888AFRICA, a new joint venture business between the London-listed operator and five igaming industry stalwarts, was announced in March.
The new brand is set to target Africa, led by former The Stars Group (TSG) alumni Christopher Coyne as CEO.
Newton is reunited with Coyne, having worked with him at Goat Interactive.
Coyne is joined by Andrew Lee, former MD of TSG’s sportsbook and current chairman of Voxbet, and former sportsbook trading director Ian Marmion.
Former William Hill chief product officer Alex Rutherford and ex-Premier Bet CFO Helen Scott-Allen are also involved with the venture.
The 888AFRICA business will pay a brand licence fee to 888 to utilise its product portfolio in “selected” regulated markets in Africa.
These brands will operate via an unnamed third-party technology platform, with 888AFRICA operating a localised brand and products tailored for the African market.
Speaking on the launch of the venture, Coyne said: “With our team of experienced professionals and significant knowledge of the African markets, it is our ambition to build the business towards market-leading positions in selected regulated markets across the region.
“Partnering with 888 will give us access to a world-class brand, as well as a broad team of experts to support our growth plans, further enhancing our confidence in our future prospects,” he added.