Hong Kong Jockey Club Recruits HSBC’s Mark Hedges as Digital Platforms Director

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has named Mark Hedges, an executive with 22 years’ experience at HSBC, as its new director of digital platforms. The appointment comes after a year of record wagering and lottery turnover—HK$331.7bn (£31.3bn) to the end of June, up 3.6% over the previous year—and fits HKJC's strategy to invest in digital technology and bolster its competitive position in the legal and regulatory landscape.

Mark Hedges' Career Background and HKJC's Digital Priorities

Mark Hedges spent his entire professional career to date at HSBC, joining as a trainee in 2004. After two years in entry-level roles, he moved into management across various departments from 2006 through 2015. His progression culminated in a leadership role as head of HSBC’s retail banking and wealth management (RBWM) transformation programme in 2015. In 2018, Hedges led Asian RBWM business transformation before ascending to managing director and global head of digital platforms four years ago.

At HKJC, he will oversee the club’s digital platforms at a time when technology investment is a stated priority. The club’s management highlighted digital transformation and the rollout of a new sports wagering platform as necessary responses to both consumer demands and government regulation, particularly around legal basketball betting in Hong Kong—a project delayed by the government but still actively developed.

Other senior digital roles at HKJC include Birgitta Tam, head of digital experience and innovation, and Gary Delooze, executive director of information technology.

HKJC’s Recent Leadership Moves and Digital Focus

Hedges' appointment is the latest in a series of senior hires by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. In June, the club recruited former UK Tote Group chief commercial officer Jon Knapman as head of commingling. Last October, HKJC brought in a former Manchester United executive as executive director of sports business.

These additions support HKJC’s broader goal to become a “globally recognised sports entertainment brand,” an initiative launched in partnership with B2B provider XIX Entertainment last year. To drive this transformation, HKJC also created the chief transformation officer post three months after the XIX deal, extending its appeal to younger, mainland Chinese and international audiences.

The Mandate: Digital Platforms and Strategic Technology Investment

In its most recent earnings call, HKJC management underscored that ongoing technology investment is both a growth and risk mitigation measure. The club’s annual report referenced HK$331.7bn in turnover, attributing growth in part to betting and lottery operations. Management specifically pinpointed the ongoing sports wagering platform development, originally meant to support the launch of legal basketball betting—still awaiting final government approval.

The club acknowledged that the new betting platform is a “multi-stage undertaking” that will operate in parallel with the existing system before a full migration can occur. This approach is intended to ensure both operational stability and the eventual achievement of enhanced revenues and cost efficiencies.

HKJC leadership has also stated that boosting their technology stack is fundamental in the fight against illegal gambling, with the digital platform’s agility described as key to “making the club more competitive.”

"It is a unique opportunity to help shape digital experiences at the intersection of sport, entertainment and technology, while contributing to an organisation whose success creates meaningful value for the wider Hong Kong community," said Hedges of his appointment on LinkedIn.

Competitive Context: HKJC’s Position in Sports Betting and Digital Entertainment

HKJC is a central institution in Hong Kong, operating not just horse racing and lotteries but also contributing significant charitable donations through its Charities Trust. The club’s push to modernise its digital experience aligns with its ambition to solidify and extend its reputation as a sports and entertainment hub—particularly as regional competition and illegal market dynamics continue to evolve.

While plans to launch legal basketball wagering are on hold, the focus on expanded digital capability means HKJC can adapt quickly when regulatory circumstances shift. The club’s recent B2B partnerships and strategic hires show an organisational commitment to staying ahead as a regulated market operator.

For more on industry sports wagering developments or the broader B2B space, see our related coverage.

Outlook for Digital Leadership at HKJC

Bringing in Mark Hedges and other senior executives from international finance and sports backgrounds signals HKJC’s intent to pair operational expertise with its digital ambitions. The club faces a complex migration to new betting platforms and aims to capture additional revenue streams while maintaining strong regulatory relationships and social responsibility.

The sector will watch closely how HKJC delivers on these technological promises, especially if delays to government approvals extend into the next fiscal year.