FanDuel adds former NIGC chair as VP of strategic partnerships
Flutter-owned operator looking to engage with tribes as E. Sequoyah Simermeyer joins former San Manuel execs Rikki Tanenbaum and Frank Sizemore at FanDuel
FanDuel has added former National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) chair E. Sequoyah Simermeyer as VP of strategic partnerships.
Simermeyer departed the NIGC on February 24 and will now head to the Flutter-owned operator to join other former tribal heads.
Simermeyer was appointed NIGC chair in 2019 by then-US President Donald Trump. He has previously worked with the NIGC as an associate commissioner and the director of the Office of Self-Regulation since 2015.
In his position as VP of strategic partnerships, Simermeyer will play a key role in building relationships with tribes for the operator.
The addition of Simermeyer to the FanDuel team follows the operator snapping up ex-San Manuel Band of Mission Indians COO Rikki Tanenbaum and fellow former San Manuel exec Frank Sizemore in recent months.
Speaking on his appointment, Simermeyer said: “I am joining the private sector for the first time, and it mattered to me to join a team where I could use my background as a former regulator, legislative staffer and public servant to Indian Country.
“FanDuel is the leader in mobile gaming and has helped shape the rise of the legalized and regulated marketplace in the US.
“Mobile gaming remains a very young and dynamic industry, and I’m excited to help the team build out our capacity to work within Indian Country nationally to take advantage of opportunities ahead,” he added.
Rikki Tanenbaum, FanDuel SVP of strategic partnerships said: “We are very honored to welcome chairman Simermeyer to the FanDuel leadership team, as he brings a career dedicated to addressing tribal economic development.”