LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Affinity Interactive (“AI”), an omni-channel gaming industry leader and ZCG portfolio company, today announced it has appointed two industry veterans to its executive leadership team, effective April 1, 2023. The new additions include Scott Butera as Chief Executive Officer of Sports Information Group (“SIG”), AI’s New York-based B2B and B2C global omnichannel sports, technology, digital, media and wagering business, and Brad Egnor as Chief Marketing Officer of AI.
“Affinity Interactive is thrilled to welcome Scott and Brad to our leadership team, and we are certain that they will be valuable additions in helping us create deeper customer engagement and further captivate diverse audiences,” said Andrei Scrivens, Chief Executive Officer of Affinity Interactive. “As AI continues to lead the way in meeting the growing demand for online gaming products and omni-channel casinos, Scott and Brad bring relevant skills, networks and experiences that will inform our business strategy. We look forward to taking AI’s digital marketing performance to the next level and providing customers with a truly exceptional gaming experience.”
“These exciting leadership appointments further position AI to harness the power of the company’s leading technology and proprietary sports data and intelligence for the benefit of each platform, users and guests everywhere,” said James J. Zenni Jr., Chairman of Affinity Interactive. “Scott and Brad both add distinct expertise and share our unwavering commitment to excellence, which will help pave the way for continued success and bold innovation as we further establish AI as the premier, industry-leading gaming platform.”
Mr. Butera, an entertainment and hospitality executive with more than two decades of executive gaming experience, will be responsible for forming key partnerships and ventures that leverage SIG’s iconic Daily Racing Form content and brand, as well as overseeing the expansion of AI’s advance-deposit and sports wagering capabilities.
“I am thrilled to be joining such a dynamic, well-respected company and look forward to working closely with Andrei, Jim, Brad and the entire Affinity Interactive team to continue building on Sports Information Group’s world class digital offering,” said Mr. Butera. “The industry is at a turning point, and AI is at the forefront of the next frontier where media, technology and gaming come together to deliver exciting new experiences for consumers globally. DRF’s content and brand is unparalleled, and I could not be more excited to bring to life their potential in new ways for the entire AI platform.”
In his new role as Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. Egnor will be responsible for enhancing AI's digital performance marketing capabilities across its business units, including casino, Daily Racing Form, and DRF Bets, to provide customers with a cohesive digital journey and a comprehensive relationship with AI.
“Affinity Interactive is a clear leader in today’s gaming ecosystem and I am excited to join the AI team as we build on the company’s continued momentum,” said Mr. Egnor. “Together, we will continue to grow each platform’s dedicated following and foster even stronger customer relationships across the AI network to drive the company to new heights.”
About Scott Butera
Prior to joining AI, Mr. Butera served as President of Fubo Gaming where he led the full integration of Vigtory Gaming and Fubo TV to create the sportsbook entity, Fubo Gaming. In his role at Fubo TV Inc., Mr. Butera developed historic sports betting partnerships with leagues across the United States including the NBA, MLB, and the MLS. Prior to that, Mr. Butera served as President of Interactive Gaming at MGM Resorts International and served in leadership roles across a number of gaming and entertainment companies, including: Arena Football League, Foxwoods Resort and Casino, Tropicana Entertainment, Cosmopolitan Hotel & Cassino Report, Metroflag Management and Trump Entertainment Report.
Mr. Butera began his career as an investment banker and has over 20 years of experience working for large financial institutions including Bear Stearns, Smith Barney, Credit Suisse First Boston and UBS. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Trinity College and a Master of Business Administration from NYU Stern School of Business.
About Brad Egnor
Prior to joining AI, Mr. Egnor served as Senior Industry Consultant for the SAS Institute (SAS.com) where he orchestrated workshops on digital transformation and data analytics for Fortune 100 companies ranging across various industry verticals. Mr. Egnor has held various executive marketing positions with multiple gaming companies including San Manuel Casino and Resorts World Casino New York City. Mr. Egnor received his Master of Business Analytics from NYU Stern School of Business. In 2020, he was nominated for the Global Gaming Business Magazine Emerging Leaders 40 under 40.
About Affinity Interactive
Affinity Interactive is an Omni-channel gaming industry leader with an expanded suite of casino and online gaming offerings. Combining leading regional casinos in Nevada, Missouri and Iowa with advanced technology, digital and media platforms, and an online betting presence, Affinity Interactive has nearly 1 million combined customers and is positioned to capitalize on the continued momentum in sports betting and iGaming globally. Affinity Interactive companies also include: the iconic Daily Racing Form, "America's Turf Authority since 1894" for horse racing and sports enthusiasts throughout North America; DRF Bets™, one of America’s fastest-growing online and mobile wagering platforms; and DRF Sports, which provides fans with exclusive up-to-date sports betting stats, insights and analysis on all major U.S. sports and leagues. For more information, please visit affinityinteractive.com, DRF.com, bets.DRF.com and DRF.com/sports.
Affinity Interactive is a portfolio company of Z Capital Partners, L.L.C., the private equity fund management arm of Z Capital Group, L.L.C. ("ZCG").
About ZCG
ZCG is a leading, privately held merchant bank comprised of private markets asset management, business consulting services, technology development and solutions.
For almost 30 years, ZCG Principals have invested tens of billions in capital and have industry leading track records in private equity and credit.
ZCG has approximately $6.5B of AUM in asset management and its investors are some of the largest and most sophisticated global institutional investors including pension funds, endowments, foundations, sovereign wealth funds, central banks, and insurance companies.
ZCG has a global team comprised of over 375 professionals. For more information, please visit www.zcg.com.