FairPlay Sports Media names Hannah Buitekant chief growth officer

FairPlay Sports Media has appointed Hannah Buitekant as its Chief Growth Officer, as the sports media network looks to expand its partnerships with iGaming operators and media companies.

The company describes itself as a global sports media network built on data and audience engagement, working with media partners and betting and gaming operators to connect fans with commercial content. According to G3 Newswire, Buitekant's appointment is intended to drive the group's next phase of growth through enhanced partnerships and revenue opportunities.

Who is Hannah Buitekant

Buitekant brings close to 20 years of experience as a founder and executive, with a background in building digital businesses, leading commercial transformation and developing strategic partnerships across media and technology. She joins FairPlay Sports Media after 12 years at dmg media, the multi-channel publisher behind titles including the Daily Mail, Metro, i Paper and New Scientist, which the company says reaches one in five UK adults every day. At dmg media, she most recently held the role of Chief Commercial Digital and Strategy Officer.

What the role involves

In her new position, Buitekant will lead the strategic execution of FairPlay Sports Media's growth strategy for media partners and iGaming operators. According to the company, this includes building the group's go-to-market capabilities, customer success and account management functions, and product sales, with the aim of entering new markets, territories and sports verticals while growing existing revenues through its data and technology.

What really drew me in is that FairPlay Sports Media has advanced technology and AI solutions that redefine how value flows between consumers, media and operators. These solutions aren't just transactional, they are built to keep consumers coming back, which is what drives stronger, more durable outcomes for our partners and iGaming operators.Hannah Buitekant, Chief Growth Officer at FairPlay Sports Media

Why this hire matters for operators

Sports media groups increasingly position themselves as intermediaries between publishers, fans and betting and gaming operators, using data and technology to match audiences with commercial offers. Senior commercial hires such as this one signal where the company sees its growth coming from, in this case a stronger push into partnership and account management structures aimed at iGaming operators specifically, alongside existing media relationships.

Stuart Simms, Group CEO at FairPlay Sports Media, said Buitekant's track record in evolving markets made her a strong addition to the leadership team as the company scales its AI-powered platforms internationally.

Hannah is a fantastic addition to our executive team at FairPlay Sports Media. Her track record speaks for itself; she has performed in evolving markets, overcoming sector challenges to deliver consistent growth with an acute eye on finding new engagement and partnership opportunities.Stuart Simms, Group CEO at FairPlay Sports Media

What happens next

FairPlay Sports Media has not disclosed specific new markets or partnership deals tied to Buitekant's arrival. The company's stated focus is on expanding its existing data and technology offering to a wider base of media and operator partners, a pattern seen elsewhere in the industry as sports betting and media businesses seek closer commercial ties, such as Betsson's recent brand consolidation in Belgium.