DAZN Names Alex Gersh, Former CFO of Betfair, as New Chief Financial Officer
Gersh's appointment strengthens DAZN's betting expertise amid a restructuring of its executive team, marking a phase focused on financial strategy and expansion in regulated markets.
Key Takeaways
- DAZN appoints Alex Gersh, former CFO of Betfair, as the new CFO.
- The executive restructuring includes new roles for Darren Waterman and Patrick Delany.
- DAZN strengthens betting expertise after launching DAZN Bet in prediction markets.
- Felix Krause will take regional leadership of DAZN in DACH starting in 2025.
DAZN has appointed Alex Gersh, former Chief Financial Officer of Betfair, as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) amid a renewal of its executive team. Gersh will be responsible for directing global financial strategy, capital allocation, and long-term value creation for the group. This move responds to DAZN's strategy to strengthen its position in regulated markets and enhance its betting vertical following its recent entry into prediction markets.
Renewed C-Suite at DAZN: Profiles and New Roles
Gersh's appointment comes as part of a broader restructuring within DAZN’s executive leadership. Gersh arrives with a relevant track record: he served as CFO of Betfair from December 2012 to October 2018, during which he managed financial operations during the merger between Betfair and Paddy Power. Subsequently, he held similar positions at Sportradar (July 2020 – September 2022) and Paysafe Group (October 2022 – September 2024). Before joining DAZN, he was CFO at Evelyn Partners, a wealth management firm.
At DAZN, Gersh replaces Darren Waterman, who takes up the new position of Chief Business Officer (CBO). Waterman, who was CFO since 2022, will now lead the group's strategic commercial initiatives, partnerships, and transformation opportunities.
Additionally, Patrick Delany, formerly CEO of Foxtel (a DAZN subsidiary), will be the new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Delany ran Foxtel for nine years and previously served as CEO of Fox Sports Australia. Based in London, he will oversee DAZN’s daily commercial performance and the comprehensive management of operations, pricing, and packaging.
Betting Expertise and Expansion in Regulated Markets
Gersh's profile places a strong emphasis on the betting sector. His arrival aligns with a key strategic move: the launch of DAZN Bet into prediction markets, announced in July, thanks to a partnership with ADI PredictStreet. This agreement, pending regulatory approval, will allow DAZN to distribute a predictive market platform based on blockchain technology (ADI Chain, headquartered in Abu Dhabi) to users in regulated markets.
The integration of betting capabilities and blockchain technology aims to diversify DAZN’s offerings and strengthen its presence in jurisdictions where regulatory frameworks allow for the expansion of innovative products within the online betting sector.
Additional Leadership Changes: DACH and Strategic Vision
The executive structure of DAZN will also see changes in the DACH region. Alice Mascia, regional CEO for four years, will leave the company at the end of the year. Felix Krause, currently Deputy CEO with experience in strategy and business development at DAZN since 2018, will assume the position of CEO for the region starting January 1. His appointment reflects the continuity and deepening of the growth strategy in key European markets.
Growth Prospects and DAZN's Vision
DAZN's CEO, Shay Segev, stated:
“DAZN enters a new phase of profitable growth, consolidating the positive momentum achieved in the business.”
The group emphasizes that its platform, already available in more than 200 markets, offers immersive sports experiences beyond simple broadcasting. With a strengthened executive team, DAZN aims to intensify its positioning as the leading global platform for sports entertainment for fans, rights holders, and partners. The management of executive talent is supported by Arnold Ash, a partner at an executive search firm specialized in the industry.
Key Implications for the Sector
The renewal of DAZN's executive team, combined with Gersh's betting expertise, points to a more strategic focus on the convergence of sports streaming and online betting. This repositioning could alter the competitive balance in both the streaming and regulated gaming and betting sectors globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Quién es el nuevo director financiero de DAZN y cuál es su trayectoria?
Alex Gersh ha sido nombrado CFO de DAZN, tras ocupar ese mismo cargo en Betfair, Sportradar y Paysafe Group, y aportar amplia experiencia en apuestas y finanzas.
¿Qué cambios implica la reestructuración directiva en DAZN?
La reestructuración implica la promoción de Darren Waterman como Chief Business Officer y la llegada de Patrick Delany como Chief Operating Officer, además del relevo en la dirección regional de DACH con Felix Krause.
¿Cómo impacta la experiencia en apuestas de Gersh en la estrategia de DAZN?
La experiencia de Gersh en el sector de apuestas es clave para impulsar productos como DAZN Bet y la expansión en mercados regulados con innovaciones como la integración de plataformas de predicción basadas en blockchain.
¿Cuándo asumirá el nuevo CEO de la región DACH en DAZN?
Felix Krause asumirá como CEO de DAZN en la región DACH el 1 de enero, sucediendo a Alice Mascia tras cuatro años en el cargo.
Tags
About the author
Gonzalo Marín
Industry Deals Correspondent
Gonzalo Marín covers the corporate deal flow of gambling — operator strategy, M&A, regulated-market entries, and product launches. The reports open with the transaction, cite companies, valuations, and jurisdictions exactly as released, and keep the announcement apart from its actual effect. When a Latin American operator raises capital or a European brand lands in the region, Gonzalo Marín reports who signs, for how much, and on what terms.
More from Gonzalo Marín
