888 recruits ex-Madison Square Garden digital lead as new US VP
Ben Hurst to be tasked with leading SI Sportsbook operator’s expansion across US market
888 has confirmed the appointment of former Madison Square Garden head of digital and senior vice-president Ben Hurst as its new VP of North American expansion.
A veteran of the digital, sports, and entertainment industries, Hurst has been working as an independent consultant for a number of entities including 888 over the last 12 months, mainly on business strategy across sports betting and AI.
Hurst previously served as SVP and head of digital at Madison Square Garden (MSG) Sports & Entertainment, where he oversaw all digital initiatives for MSG portfolio brands and properties.
This included the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, MSG, Radio City, The Beacon Theatre, as well as MSG’s other venues.
He also worked for Paramount as a senior vice-president of mobile/emerging platforms and digital partnerships, managing the digital/mobile division for Comedy Central, MTV, CMT, TV Land, VH1, Paramount Network, and Logo.
In addition to his new role, Hurst serves as an adviser and mentor to startups via TechStars and independently, guiding aspiring founders on how to build their businesses.
He also serves as a board member of Landmark on Main Street, a performing arts and community center in Port Washington.
Hurst will be tasked with accelerating 888’s growth in the US and Canada, principally via the development of the Sports Illustrated sportsbook and online casino, which has only launched in Ontario, Colorado, and Michigan so far.
This will include working closely with 888’s strategic partner Authentic Brands Group (ABG) to further develop the Sports Illustrated brand presence in betting and gaming in the US.
As a senior member of 888’s US management team, Hurst will report to 888 US president Howard Mittman, who welcomed his transition from consultant to 888 employee.
“I am delighted that Ben will be joining our US team as VP. Having worked with him over the last year or so as a consultant, I have full confidence that his knowledge of the industry, and of our company, makes him the perfect leader to help continue to grow our US business for the future,” Mittman said.
“Ben has an exceptional track record at some world-class media brands and will bring a huge amount of knowledge of the US digital, sports, and entertainment landscape. We very much look forward to working with him,” the 888 US president concluded.