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The affiliate manages a portfolio of sports and gaming brands in regulated markets, and Duffey will also join the company’s executive team from 1 February 2023.
Per his appointment, Duffey will be responsible for executing XLMedia’s long-term growth and revenue strategy in the long term.
XLMedia’s new President has a background in entrepreneurship and leading business, with experience in sports media.
Duffey said: “I am delighted to join the Executive Team and continue to work with the highly talented teams in North America and across the business.
“And, on behalf of the business, I would like to thank Ken [Dorward] for his valuable contribution to setting up and leading the North American business. We wish him well for the future.”
Before signing on with XLMedia, Duffey founded Saturday Football Inc – an independent digital sports media brand centred on US college sports.
The business Duffey started was acquired by XLMedia in 2021. Duffey then became responsible for leading audience growth and commercial partnerships across the college sports sector.
News of Duffey’s appointment comes the same day the company released its expected FY22 revenue of $73.7m.
This is compared to the $66.5m the group generated in the prior-year period. Its revenue, more pertinently, from sports and gaming was also up 27% year-on-year, reaching $69.6m for 2022.
Its adjusted EBITDA margin was between $16.1m to $16.6m and its sports vertical saw the greatest yearly gains of 72%.
This rise was attributed to the legalisation of online sports betting in New York and Maryland, in January and November 2022 respectively.
Alongside Duffey’s appointment, XLMedia has announced that its Chief Growth Officer Ken Dorward has stepped down from the business effective 31 January 2023.
Dorward said of his departure: “I am very proud of the contribution I have made to the business and proud of the work the talented teams have done. My time with the business has been rewarding as it has grown and expanded.
“I look forward to seeing the group continue to succeed under Kevin’s stewardship with his demonstrated capabilities in building and monetising sports audiences.”
