Superbet Group has announced a change to its executive team with Johnny Hartnett stepping down from the role of CEO, to be replaced by current Deputy Chair Jimmy Maymann, effective January 15, 2024.
Appointed Deputy Chair in April, Maymann has extensive senior and board-level leadership experience, having held top-level positions at The Huffington Post, AOL and the Museum of the United Nations.
Commenting on his new role, Maymann said: “Superbet has tremendous potential in terms of business scalability and expansion into international markets, all within a solid framework of trust between the Group, its customers and market stakeholders. The progressive thinking of the leadership team is a testament to this highly talented and visionary group.
“I am delighted to take on the role of CEO and offer my expertise and passion, closely working with Superbet’s Board to accomplish the company’s goal of becoming a global leader in the tech and entertainment industry, while fostering an exemplary environment of responsible gaming.
“I look forward to building on the great work done to date and leading the team in its next phase of growth.”
Specialising in the creation, development, and transformation of companies across the technology & media sectors, digital services, telecoms, and NGOs, Maymann has helped over 10 companies succeed, including GoViral which he co-founded and sold to AOL in 2011.
Superbet Group Chair Hans Holger-Albrecht noted: “Jimmy Maymann has an impressive background, which seamlessly blends successful entrepreneurial endeavours with significant experience of creating global scale. As such, he is a perfect fit for the mindset and next stage of growth and scaling for Superbet.
“We are confident that Jimmy will have a strong positive impact on the Group’s strategy and business model while working together with the team to realize the growth opportunity for Superbet.”
At AOL, Maymann was Executive Vice President and President of Content & Consumer Brands, collectively achieving a global audience of 499 million unique visitors every month. Before AOL, he was the CEO of The Huffington Post, helping the company expand into 15 international markets, growing its monthly unique visitors audience from 35 million to around 210 million.
Although stepping down from the CEO position, Hartnett won’t be leaving Superbet, as he will instead be transitioning to its board as a Non-Executive Director.
Hartnett’s CEO tenure saw Superbet expand its footprint beyond its home market of Romania, securing €175m capital from PE fund Blackstone Inc to acquire Benelux gambling group Napoleon Sports & Casino in 2021.
Sacha Dragic, Founder and Board Member at Superbet, added: “I am grateful to Johnny for his tremendous impact on Superbet’s growth and performance over the last five years and I am delighted he will take up a new role on the Board. He leaves a great team ready to further scale and continue our journey of growth.
“Furthermore, I am delighted with Jimmy’s appointment, as he brings enormous leadership and remarkable experience to continue and accelerate our growth through our people. Having Jimmy as CEO is a clear statement that we are continuing to build and develop a long-term strategy for global expansion. I look forward to continuing to work with both Jimmy and Johnny in their new capacities, as we bring Superbet to its next chapter of growth.”
Hartnett stated: “The last five years have been the ride of a lifetime. I’d like to thank Sacha and the Dragic family for the opportunity they gave me and the unwavering trust, support, guidance, and friendship over my five-year tenure.
“Thank you to all my colleagues who worked with me during that time. I’m immensely proud of all we’ve done together and look forward to continuing to support you all from a different seat on the bus.
“Superbet is very fortunate to have someone of Jimmy Maymann’s experience, capability, and leadership to take over as CEO. I look forward to ensuring a seamless transition with Jimmy and to the continued commitment to the Superbet journey in my next role on the Board of Directors.”
