DraftKings, the renowned sports betting and gaming company, has taken a significant step forward in advancing its commitment to player safety and responsible gaming by appointing a new executive team member specifically dedicated to these critical areas. The company has announced the designation of a first-ever Chief Responsible Gaming Officer in the form of Kalani. This appointment underscores DraftKings’ ongoing mission to ensure a secure and enjoyable gaming environment within the rapidly expanding digital entertainment industry.
In her capacity as Chief Responsible Gaming Officer, Kalani will be steering the direction of DraftKings’ efforts to elevate and integrate various player safety and protection activities across the company’s array of platforms. These initiatives are expansive, encompassing all facets of the operator’s delivery of services and, importantly, their engagement with player communities, which are at the heart of DraftKings’ operations.
This strategic hire comes on the back of Kalani’s tenure as a partner at Cozen O’Connor, a reputable law firm, where she adeptly co-chaired the state attorneys general practice. Her illustrious career also includes partnerships at legal firm Dickstein Shapiro and a role as senior counsel at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, a global law enterprise.
Kalani’s enthusiasm about her new role at DraftKings is palpable, and she looks forward to being an instrumental part of the company’s future. “I have long admired DraftKings’ impact as an entertainment and engagement platform that brings a community of gaming enthusiasts together,” she expressed. “Joining DraftKings represents an exciting opportunity for me to bolster the efforts of the company and look for opportunities to reinforce our responsible gaming initiatives.”
She further elaborated on her eagerness to collaborate with a wide array of stakeholders, including colleagues, regulators, industry leaders, and community advocates, to perpetuate DraftKings’ dedication to responsible gaming and advocating for a healthy gaming ambiance for all customers.
Jason Robins, the co-founder and CEO of DraftKings, echoed Kalani’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of responsible gaming in the company’s values. “Responsible gaming is one of our top priorities,” he stated. “It is a core part of our mission to build games that our customers can enjoy responsibly.” He praised Kalani’s new leadership role as pivotal in enhancing DraftKings’ responsible gaming initiatives and upholding its commitment to setting novel standards for the industry.
This significant appointment forms part of a broader reshuffling within DraftKings’ executive team. In another major change, Jason Park will transition from his role as Chief Financial Officer to the enterprise’s first Chief Transformation Officer from the 1st of May. After nearly five years of substantial contributions as CFO since joining DraftKings in June 2019, Park now looks forward to overseeing the integration of the recently announced acquisition of Jackpocket.
Assuming Park’s previous responsibilities, Alan Ellingson, currently serving as Senior Vice-President of Finance and Analytics at DraftKings, is set to take over as CFO, effective May 1st. DraftKings’ upper management expects that Ellingson will continue steering the business toward achieving its financial objectives and enhancing shareholder value.
The consolidation of such powerful talent within its leadership attests to DraftKings’ intent not just to expand its reach, but to do so while firmly adhering to principles of responsible gaming and customer well-being. The organization sees these shifts as a blueprint for fostering a sustainable future in the gaming industry, focusing on consumer protection as much as on business growth and innovation.
