Sportech appoints new CFO as it eyes US challenge
London-listed firm recruits Thomas Hearne as CFO amid plans for US expansion under new CEO Andrew Gaughan
Sportech has confirmed the appointment of Thomas Hearne as the group’s new chief financial officer (CFO).
Hearne will assume the position on 14 May having also been appointed to the firm’s board of directors.
Hearne replaces erstwhile CFO Mickey Kalifa who left Sportech last September, along with former CEO Ian Penrose.
Sportech pledged to save approximately £2m a year by choosing not to replace the duo while the London-listed sports betting business was put up for sale.
But Sportech shares plummeted in March when the operator “did not receive an offer it could reasonably recommend to the shareholders” as the sale failed.
Hearne will lead the senior executive team in its new direction after joining from Canadian sports content and data distributor theScore Inc.
He will work alongside Sportech’s new CEO Andrew Gaughan as the company looks to capitalise on the potential legalisation of US sports betting.
“We are pleased to have secured Tom’s talent to the group,” said Gaughan.
“His experience in the fields of digital technology and sports media, and his long track record of driving growth, increasing profitability, and executing successful M&A transactions perfectly aligns with our commitment to deliver transparent financial reporting and growth for our shareholders.”