Penn National Gaming has recruited Jon Kaplowitz to build upon extensive prior experience and assume leadership of its Penn Interactive Ventures division.

Set to assume the role of Senior Vice President of Interactive, Kaplowitz is to oversee the operations of PIV’s suite of innovative social casino products, including Viva Slots Vegas by Rocket Games, Hollywoodcasino.com and Hollywoodraces.com, in addition to overseeing the growing online sports betting and real money igaming opportunities.

Kaplowitz joins from Comcast Corporation where he has led the new business team for the past seven years, focusing on generating growth from new markets and industry verticals.

Prior to this he served as co-CEO of Massify, an online content creation network, before which he was managing director and head of business development for the World Poker Tour.

Addressing the new position, Kaplowitz stated: “I am excited to join Penn National at a time when the company’s igaming and sports betting opportunities continue to expand in new markets.

“PIV’s platform is well positioned for additional growth that will help us better engage with our customers, build loyalty and retention, and serve as a significant channel for new customer acquisition.”

Kaplowitz is to take up the reigns of his new position on February, 11, 2019, subject to regulatory approvals, following previous incumbent Chris Sheffield leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.

Once on-board he will report to Penn National’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Jay Snowden, who commented: “In searching for Chris Sheffield’s successor, we looked for someone who could not only build upon the successful platform that Chris and his team established, but someone who could help take PIV to the next level, in terms of developing strategic partnerships with potential igaming and sports betting companies, as well as media and content providers. We are fortunate to have found the perfect fit to lead those efforts in Jon Kaplowitz.

“Jon’s extensive business development background, operational management experience and broad knowledge of sports betting and the online and mobile gaming world, make him an ideal addition to the Penn National management team, as we near the launch of our online sports wagering operations in West Virginia and real money igaming and online sports betting in Pennsylvania.

“I want to thank Chris for his successful efforts in leading the development of PIV from its early days of operations to an established, profitable and growing business for Penn National. We wish him all the best as he leaves to pursue new opportunities.”