Sportech appoints new executive director

UK and US gambling group Sportech plc has announced the appointment of Richard “Rich” Roberts as an executive director with effect from 14 July 2014.

He will become president of digital operations in the US, reporting to group CEO Ian Penrose.

Roberts, a US resident who lives in New Jersey, has impressive experience across multi-platform entertainment industries, developing businesses in the internet portal, digital distribution, casual, mobile, social and iGaming markets.

He currently serves as CEO of Slingo, Inc. the gambling, mobile social games and entertainment licensing business which was bought by Real Networks in 2013.

From 2005 to 2010, he was Vice President of Business Development and Sales at PlayFirst Inc. the social, mobile and video games company, and from 1999 to 2005, he was Vice President of Digital Distribution at Hasbro Interactive. Prior to this, Roberts held positions at several organisations on both east and west coasts of the USA.

Sportech chairman Roger Withers said Friday:

“I am delighted to welcome Rich as an executive to the Sportech Board. Rich’s experience and business knowledge within the mobile, social and real money gaming markets, will be of considerable benefit to the Group.”

Roberts said: “I have spent six months as a non-executive director of Sportech, and within that time have appreciated the significant potential of Sportech’s developing digital business here in the US. As a result, I am delighted to be joining Sportech’s leadership team in the US and look forward to helping the company pursue its growth plans.”

Related and similar