Sky Bet raids Microsoft for new international tech director
Simon Ince will lead the firm's international digital and engineering teams as it continues its expansion into new markets
Sky Betting & Gaming (SB&G) has appointed Microsoft’s former global business evangelist, Simon Ince, as the operator’s new director of international technology.
Ince, who took up his new role last month, will be responsible for leading SB&G’s international digital and engineering teams, based out of the company’s Electric Works tech hub in Sheffield.
He was previously at global tech giant Microsoft for nine years, where his roles included senior application development consultant/manager and, most recently, global business evangelist.
Ince also worked at French management consulting corporation Capgemini for seven years.
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Simon, who joins us from previous senior roles at Microsoft and Capgemini,” Andy Burton the operator’s chief technology officer, said.
“We are a great choice for senior technologists looking for heavyweight opportunities.”
Ince’s appointment coincides with SB&G’s recent international expansion into Italy and Germany where it has launched its free-to-play Super 6 product.
In Italy, the operator has also released a real-money online sportsbook, with an online casino set to debut in the coming weeks.
“I’m a huge believer in taking on big challenges underpinned by agile, lean, and Lean Startup, so I’m really happy to find a new home that has those principles embedded in its DNA,” Ince said.
SB&G’s international push follows consistent strong growth in its core UK market, including a 51% rise in revenues to £376.3m for the year ended 30 June 2016.