LeoVegas appoints new head of sports
Riku Jokela takes up senior role at Nordic-facing operator after Andreas Bardun’s departure
LeoVegas has appointed Riku Jokela as its new head of sports following the departure of Andreas Bardun.
Jokela joined LeoVegas in June 2017 from Betsson-owned NordicBet, where he oversaw sports betting operations for more than two years.
According to a company bio, Jokela believes the “future of sports betting is reliant on mobile, live betting, speed and innovation” and was persuaded to make the move to LeoVegas due to the operator’s emphasis on product development.
LeoVegas head of sports Riku Jokela
His predecessor Bardun occupied the head of sport role at LeoVegas for a year and three months and negotiated shirt sponsorship deals with Championship sides Norwich and Brentford.
He left the business to become a consultant and is now helping companies to launch sportsbook services while advising on sport betting sponsorships.
LeoVegas Sport last week extended its platform deal with Kambi, hailing its ability to launch in regulated markets.