Blexr promotes HR specialist from within as new COO
Sophie Hogson joined the affiliate in November 2022 and will now be tasked with overseeing day-to-day operations and strategic planning
Blexr has promoted Sophie Hodgson to the position of COO after playing an instrumental role in the launch of CasinoReviews after it was acquired by the affiliate in May 2022.
Hodgson joined Blexr in a consultancy role before being hired on a permanent basis in November 2022 as vice-president of people and talent, her first position in the gaming industry.
Prior joining Blexr, Hodgson spent six years at defence, security and aerospace company BAE Systems where she rose the ranks after joining the company as a graduate.
She became chief of staff to the UK HR director in July 2017 before shifting to BAE Systems Applied Intelligence division.
Two promotions in as many years saw Hodgson named head of HR in the chief operating office at the business.
Upon moving to Blexr in 2022, she helped build the firm’s core people foundations, including pay bands and incentives, and focused on improving and enhancing employee experience.
With the promotion to COO, Hodgson will be tasked with overseeing day-to-day operations and strategic planning while continuing to oversee the people and talent division.
She will also act as the bridge between Blexr’s business operations and product teams, allowing for effective communication as well as “successful execution of strategic objectives”.
Paudie O’Reilly, Blexr co-founder, praised Hodgson for the work she has done for the firm and predicted further success for the organisation following her promotion.
O’Reilly said: “Sophie’s strategic vision and commitment to creating a positive, high-performance culture have been invaluable to Blexr.
“Sophie has made significant contributions to Blexr in just under two years, including spearheading the people and talent chapter and leading initiatives crucial to the company’s success.
“As well as being instrumental with the launch of CasinoReviews and our ADR service, her dedication to clarity, transparency, learning and development and leadership has enhanced the employee experience across the entire organisation.”
Commenting on her new role, Hodgson said she aims to create an environment that promotes a culture of diversity and inclusion, while writing on LinkedIn that leading business operations and making sure the company works effectively is “an opportunity that I cannot wait to start making a real impact to”.
She added: “I am incredibly excited to take on this new challenge and continue to build on the solid foundations we’ve established at Blexr.
“My goal is to create a positive, high-performing environment that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee engagement and promotes a culture of diversity and inclusion that aligns with Blexr’s overarching strategy.”
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.