DraftKings has added a new member to its leadership team.
Former Amazon executive Marie Donoghue has joined DraftKings as the company’s new Chief Business & Growth Officer. In her role, Donoghue will continue to drive growth for the second-largest sports betting operator in America while exploring new opportunities to expand reach.
She will also have the responsibility of leading various internal processes across DraftKings.
“We are delighted to welcome Marie Donoghue to our executive team and the immense wealth of experience she brings as a highly regarded leader and trailblazer within our industry,” said DraftKings CEO and co-founder Jason Robins. “Marie’s exceptional track record speaks for itself, and she is poised to be a transformative force in our company’s future success.”
Donoghue’s experience includes nearly six years at Amazon where she helped the e-commerce and tech giant secure rights to broadcast “Thursday Night Football” on Prime Video. Amazon reportedly pays roughly $1 billion annually for exclusive rights to broadcast TNF.
Before turning Amazon into a major player in live sports, Donoghue spent nearly 20 years at ESPN as Executive Vice President of Global Business & Content Strategy. She was integral during her time at the “Worldwide Leader in Sports” in delivering partnerships, the ESPN Films 30 for 30 series, and diversifying digital offerings.
DraftKings could bolster growth with new partnership
The appointment of Donoghue to her new position comes amid rumors of DraftKings potentially securing a marketing partnership with Barstool Sports — a former subsidiary of rival PENN Entertainment.
Together, PENN and Barstool launched Barstool Sportsbook in 2020. The sportsbook has since rebranded to ESPN Bet after PENN sold Barstool back to founder Dave Portnoy in 2023 for $1.
Barstool could be on the heels of a deal with DraftKings as its non-compete expires after Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11.
