Exclusive: Kindred hires former BetConstruct exec as US sportsbook VP
Jonathan Aiwazian will lead the operator’s betting expansion in the US including its first retail sportsbook launch
Kindred has hired former BetConstruct director of US operations Jonathan Aiwazian as its VP sportsbook in the US.
Aiwazian joined the firm in its New York HQ last month to lead its betting expansion in US, including the imminent launch of its first Unibet retail sportsbook at the Mohegan Sun Pocono in Pennsylvania.
Aiwazian spent two years with BetConstruct, and prior to that developed and launched a US-facing, free-to-play poker offering in 2010 with his company Cafrino.
Jonathan Aiwazian joins Kindred’s US team in New York
Speaking to EGR, Aiwazian said: “I am very familiar with the journey to success and using user data and feedback to build and perfect a product.
“From the technology supplier side, my experience allows me to efficiently communicate with our partners, having been in their shoes for a couple years,” he added.
Kindred launched its Unibet mobile offering in New Jersey earlier this month, and is also preparing its online launch in PA.
Kindred SVP USA Manuel Stan said the recruitment process was challenging and included candidates from Europe and Australia.
“In the end we found the right profile in Jonathan, with relevant experience in both online sports betting as well as local US experience, and he shares our vision on how to tackle the US market,” Stan said.
Kindred moved into its US HQ in downtown Manhattan in July, The office currently has a staff count of 15, which Stan expects to grow by 50% by the end of the year.
The firm announced its first major US sponsorship this week via a deal with NHL team the New Jersey Devils