After a long and successful tenure at Matchbook, Chief Marketing Officer Ryan Hegarty has announced his departure from the company he helped to shape. Since January of 2022, Hegarty has played a crucial role in directing Matchbook’s marketing initiatives, but his career trajectory with the firm began much earlier. In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, Hegarty reflected on the journey and the evolution of his professional life, signaling the end of an era and the start of a new chapter in his career.
Before ascending to the CMO position, Hegarty had been ingrained in Matchbook’s fabric since April 2016, where he initially joined the team as a marketing executive. His aptitude for growth and engagement within the company saw him excel to become CRM manager, then progressing to head of acquisition and retention. Following these roles, his leadership skills were recognized, and he served as head of marketing for over two years before taking on the responsibilities of the CMO.
The roots of Hegarty’s marketing acumen can be traced back to his experiences prior to Matchbook, where he honed his skills at notable companies within the tech and betting industries. His expertise was enhanced at PFH Technology Group as an account manager, and he also delved deep into the betting world during his 18-month tenure as an online marketing executive at Paddy Power, earlier in his career.
The departure from Matchbook is not a retirement from the industry he knows well, but rather a transition into a consulting role that promises to leverage his extensive knowledge in sports betting. On his LinkedIn announcement, Hegarty indicated his eagerness to dive into this new endeavor. “After eight very enjoyable years, my time at Matchbook has come to an end,” he wrote. “Very grateful for the opportunities and experience which I gained, culminating in my most recent position as CMO.”
Hegarty has made it clear that the relationships and bonds formed during his time with Matchbook have left a lasting impression. “I have made friends for life and have been very lucky to work with, and for, some amazing people on the marketing team, the senior management team, and across the wider business as a whole,” he added in the post.
After a brief period of well-deserved respite, Hegarty is looking forward to his next venture with zeal. “After a few weeks of switching off, it’s on to the next chapter, which already has some very exciting consulting projects up and running for a couple of interesting new brands in the sports betting space, with massive potential for growth,” he stated.
The betting and gambling industry appears to be amidst a season of change, with a series of high-profile movements rocking various companies. Besides Hegarty’s exit, GAN has recently secured the expertise of Brian Chang as its permanent chief financial officer after a period of interim service. Furthermore, last month brought about the resignation of Julie Amey as CFO of Australasia’s SkyCity Entertainment Group, alongside Robbie Cooke’s step down as CEO and managing director of Star Entertainment Group, and Christina Katsibouba’s exit as CFO.
These changes continued with Golden Entertainment appointing Blake Sartini II as COO, succeeding Steve Arcana, who is set to take on the new role of chief development officer. And BetMakers Technology Group saw Anthony Pullin step down from the CFO position, demonstrating an industry in dynamic flux.
All in all, as the gambling and betting industry reconfigures its leadership landscape, talented individuals like Ryan Hegarty are seizing opportunities to redefine their careers and shape the future of the sector in new and venturesome ways.
