Yaspa Appoints Mandy Thompson as First US Marketing Manager Amid North American Expansion

Mandy Thompson joins Yaspa as the company's first US marketing manager, with the aim of advancing the brand's North American presence across iGaming, predictions, and related regulated markets. The appointment comes as Yaspa scales its operations in the region, assembling a leadership team in Atlanta and prioritizing targeted market entry initiatives.

Inside Yaspa's US Hire: Thompson's Role and Background

Yaspa, a payments and fintech provider positioning itself within the US iGaming sector, announced the addition of Mandy Thompson to its leadership ranks. Thompson is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and reports directly to Chief Marketing Officer Kate Marsden. The company confirmed that Thompson brings over 12 years of payments industry experience, most recently serving as Senior Strategic Marketing Manager at Blackhawk Network. At Blackhawk Network, she led enterprise go-to-market efforts and marketing strategies centered on prepaid and incentive payment products.

Thompson's mandate at Yaspa centers on building out the firm's brand and value proposition for US clients in regulated sectors, including iGaming and predictions. According to Yaspa, expanding in regulated American markets requires both subject-matter experience and connections with key stakeholder groups. On her appointment, Thompson stated:

"I'm thrilled to be joining Yaspa and the team at such an exciting time on its journey. The US payment and fintech market is fast-moving and, with regulation at a key crossroads in time, Yaspa's intelligent payment solutions hit the sweet spot of payment and identity innovation. I look forward to working with Kate and the marketing team, and Max and the rest of the Yaspa US team in the Atlanta office," — Mandy Thompson.

Growing Atlanta-Based Team to Support North American Operations

Thompson's arrival follows earlier internal moves designed to reinforce Yaspa's US growth plans. Yaspa noted the Atlanta-based team is now led operationally by Max Collinge, Vice President of Product, who relocated from overseas in January to direct the firm's product innovation and delivery for the region.

The broader Atlanta team also comprises:

• Peter Kula, US Sales Lead
• Jackson Esoda, US Senior Solutions Manager

By situating this core group in Atlanta, Yaspa signals its intent to localize both product development and market outreach for the American gaming and regulated payments landscape. CMO Kate Marsden commented on the hiring move:

"Mandy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our US operations. Yaspa is embarking on an exciting stage of its growth journey in the North American market and we look forward to her leadership in growing the brand in the US. Welcome to the team, Mandy." — Kate Marsden

Yaspa's Brand and Proposition in US iGaming and Regulated Markets

With a background in enterprise payments, Yaspa has positioned itself as a partner for operators tackling complex identity verification and payment flow requirements. Thompson's hire is part of a broader strategy to present Yaspa as a solution-provider in the highly scrutinized iGaming and predictions segments, as well as sectors adjusting to evolving regulatory expectations.

Yaspa expects Thompson to focus on brand visibility and proposition clarity, leveraging her previous experience managing go-to-market initiatives at Blackhawk Network. Her reporting line to Marsden indicates a close alignment with the company’s overarching global marketing strategy. The Atlanta office now acts as the operational nucleus for product, sales and marketing targeting US market entry and expansion.

Market Outlook: Payments, Regulation and Leadership Capabilities

The US iGaming and payments scene remains characterized by rapid change, with regulatory thresholds and partner expectations shifting frequently. Yaspa’s strategic hiring suggests the company sees a window to carve out a position in regulated American digital transaction flows, emphasizing both compliance competence and marketing execution.

The focus on building an Atlanta-based team of specialists is consistent with moves made by global fintechs seeking to localize their offer and adapt to diverse market-level requirements. The company has not disclosed specifics on forthcoming product launches, partnership targets or customer acquisition figures, sticking to staff announcements and broad statements about operational growth.

For platform vendors, payment providers and operators in the US, Yaspa’s new hires and stated focus areas are likely to be interpreted as both a growth signal and a test of market traction over the next phases of North American regulatory evolution. Company statements emphasize experience and leadership over claims of technology edge or market share attainment at this stage.