SharpLink Gaming has added to its executive team, appointing ex-Sportradar Managing Director, Dave Abbott, as its new Chief Technology Officer, effective immediately.
Abbott brings to SharpLink over 20 years of experience in “transformational innovation and platform growth” for technology companies, with a deep understanding of customer relationship management software, data integration, and architecture and productization in the sports technology industry.
He also has a history with SharpLink CEO and Co-Founder Rob Phythian, as the two worked alongside one another at Sportradar, helping build the firm’s US presence following its 2014 acquisition of SportsData – a sports-related live data and digital content company the two co-founded in 2010.
Phythian commented: “Given Dave and my long and storied history of collaboration, partnership, and teamwork, having worked together in the past to help put both SportsData and Sportradar US on the map.
“I have first-hand knowledge of and appreciation for his vision, skill, and ability to create and monetize bleeding-edge innovations and impactful solutions.
“A true technology visionary, Dave will be charged with inspiring and growing SharpLink’s engineering teams, driving forward our technology roadmap, and advancing our mission to be the provider-of-choice for game-changing technologies for fantasy sports and free-to-play gaming as well as hyper-localization of fan engagement.”
Abbott worked at Sportradar for over eight years, serving first as Senior Vice President of Innovation and Technology, before rising to Managing Director of US Sports Media, where he concentrated on the growth and development of the company’s US media strategy.
Tom Masterman, SharpLink’s recently appointed Vice President of Revenue, as well as SportsData alumnus, was also part of the US team at Sportradar with Abbott and Phythian.
Abbott added: “The timing is ideal for ‘putting the band back together. The notable success that Rob, Tom, and I shared while working together at SportsData and Sportradar is a testament to our corresponding strengths, commitment to results, common core values, and similar work ethics.
“I’m delighted to be reuniting with them and look forward to working closely with SharpLink’s highly talented team at this important evolutionary phase of the US sports betting market. I have great confidence that SharpLink will prove to be our biggest success, yet.”
Earlier this month, SharpLink went live with 15 new state-specific affiliate marketing websites to help deliver players to its sportsbook and casino partners in each market.
