Fanatics Betting and Gaming, a rapidly growing subsidiary of Fanatics Holdings, has made a significant addition to its leadership team. Selena Kalvaria has been appointed as the new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Kalvaria brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles at renowned companies such as Gucci, Away, Anheuser-Busch, and Diageo. This strategic hire comes at a pivotal moment as Fanatics Betting and Gaming continues to expand its footprint across the United States, recently launching Fanatics Sportsbook in Wyoming.
Selena Kalvaria’s Professional Background
Selena Kalvaria is no stranger to high-stakes marketing and brand management. Her career trajectory includes notable positions that have prepared her for the challenges and opportunities at Fanatics Betting and Gaming.
Gucci:
Kalvaria spent three years at Gucci, where she rose to the position of Senior Vice President, Brand & Client Engagement for the Americas. In this role, she was instrumental in shaping Gucci’s brand strategy and executing comprehensive marketing initiatives across North America and Latin America.
Away:
Prior to her tenure at Gucci, Kalvaria served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Away, a digital lifestyle brand. At Away, she honed her skills in digital marketing, brand positioning, and customer engagement, contributing to the brand’s significant growth and market presence.
Anheuser-Busch and Diageo:
Kalvaria’s earlier career includes impactful roles at beverage giants Anheuser-Busch and Diageo. These experiences provided her with a solid foundation in marketing within highly competitive industries.
Responsibilities at Fanatics Betting and Gaming
As the new CMO, Kalvaria will oversee several critical areas:
Brand Management:
She will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing the Fanatics brand, ensuring consistency and resonance across various markets.
Media and Content:
Kalvaria will manage media strategy and content creation, aiming to effectively reach and engage the target audience.
Creative and Communications:
She will lead the creative direction and communication strategies, ensuring cohesive and compelling messaging across all platforms.
Expansion of Fanatics Sportsbook
Fanatics Betting and Gaming is not just making strategic hires but also expanding its market presence. The recent launch of Fanatics Sportsbook in Wyoming marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth. This launch extends the availability of Fanatics Sportsbook to twenty-one U.S. states on both iOS and Android platforms.
PointsBet Acquisition
In addition to organic growth, Fanatics Betting and Gaming has been actively pursuing acquisitions to strengthen its market position. In April, the company finalized the acquisition of PointsBet’s U.S. businesses in Illinois, marking the completion of a series of acquisitions that began in August 2023. This strategic move has bolstered Fanatics’ capabilities and market reach in the competitive sports betting landscape.
Strategic Implications of the Appointment
Kalvaria’s appointment as CMO comes at a crucial time for Fanatics Betting and Gaming. Her extensive background in luxury, lifestyle, and beverage brands equips her with unique insights and strategies that can be leveraged to elevate the Fanatics brand. Her expertise in brand strategy and client engagement will be invaluable as the company navigates the competitive sports betting market.
The appointment of Selena Kalvaria as Chief Marketing Officer signals a strong commitment by Fanatics Betting and Gaming to enhance its brand and expand its market presence. With her impressive background and strategic vision, Kalvaria is poised to drive the company’s marketing efforts to new heights. The simultaneous launch of Fanatics Sportsbook in Wyoming and the completion of the PointsBet acquisition underscore the company’s dynamic growth trajectory and its determination to become a dominant player in the sports betting industry.