A highly influential sports executive has landed with DraftKings.
The online sportsbook announced the appointment of Marie Donoghue as chief business and growth officer on Thursday.
Donoghue joins one of the leading U.S. market-share sportsbook operators following tenures at Amazon and ESPN.
“We are delighted to welcome Marie Donoghue to our executive team and the immense wealth of experience she brings as a highly-regarded leader and trailblazer within our industry,” CEO and co-founder Jason Robins said on the company’s website. “Marie’s exceptional track record speaks for itself, and she is poised to be a transformative force in our company’s future success.”
Strategic role
DraftKings said Donoghue is assuming a strategic role that will allow her to help the sportsbook operator drive future growth of the company and enhance customer service as well as lead several internal processes.
"I am thrilled to be joining DraftKings during this exciting phase and have long admired the organization’s steady rise as an industry innovator,” Donoghue said. “This is a special opportunity to expand on its industry-leading position and propel the company to new heights.”
DraftKings, which is also in the sports media business, faces increasing competition from rival FanDuel and newcomer ESPN BET, so Donoghue could bring new innovations to the table in 2024 and beyond.
History of growth
Donoghue knows how to oversee major projects. She joins DraftKings after serving as Amazon’s vice president of U.S. sports content and partnerships. Most notably, Donoghue helped Prime Video acquire the rights and launch “Thursday Night Football,” the NFL’s first all-streaming, season-long package.
Donoghue also spent 18 years at ESPN, where she led the global business and content strategy department and ESPN Films 30 for 30.
Her extensive background in business partnerships should aid a sports product that continues to grow and expand. DraftKings operates sports betting in 25 U.S. states and Ontario, Canada. The fantasy site is available in 44 states, and DraftKings’ iGaming is active in five U.S. states and Ontario.
DraftKings' reported 2023 third-quarter revenue of $790 million was the most gross gaming revenue in the market.
