Genius Sports Limited, the official data, technology, and commercial partner that powers the global ecosystem connecting sports, betting, and media, today announces the appointment of Mark Kropf as its Group Chief Technology Officer (“CTO”).

Kropf joins Genius Sports from Google, where he held the esteemed position of Technical Director within Google’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer. In this role, Kropf played an instrumental role in advancing Google’s generative AI capabilities, improving developer experience and driving sustained innovation.

This deep expertise will be pivotal as Genius Sports expands the deployment of GeniusIQ, the next-generation sports data and AI platform which leverages powerful machine learning and generative AI to deliver unmatched game analysis and ultra-immersive experiences.

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Kropf brings over two decades of experience in technology leadership, software engineering, and infrastructure management across a diverse range of sectors, including financial services, information technology, and cybersecurity. Prior to his tenure at Google, he was integral to the commercialisation of Cloud Foundry at Pivotal, where he also founded and led the Office of the CTO.

Driven by a career-long commitment to innovation, Kropf holds numerous patents in enterprise software and financial services technology. He is also a distinguished tech-focused investor and advisor, with a passion for supporting startups led by underrepresented groups.

Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Mark Kropf as our Group CTO. His outstanding track-record of technology leadership at both Google and Pivotal, combined with his deep experience in AI-focused innovation, will play a critical role in our future. Our cutting-edge GeniusIQ platform is already driving the AI revolution in the global sports ecosystem and Mark’s expertise will play a key role in amplifying and accelerating that transformation”.

Mark Kropf, newly appointed Group CTO, added: “Genius Sports’ technology is redefining how sports are understood and consumed globally. I look forward to supporting this continued growth and working with a remarkable team that has already positioned Genius Sports at the forefront of data and technology innovation in sport”.

The SBC Summit, first held in Lisbon, made its mark on the iGaming industry, just as SOFTSWISS did with its notable anniversary presence at the event.

Eighty SOFTSWISS delegates attended the SBC Summit Lisbon, hosting their partners at the company’s largest stand in history – a 288m² space. Partners, clients, and industry peers gathered at the stand to celebrate SOFTSWISS’s 15th anniversary. With ‘Cheers!’, lively discussions, and a spirit of collaboration, guests explored future business opportunities, forged new partnerships, and discovered new avenues for growth.

Among the highlights was the chance for clients to meet with SOFTSWISS founder Ivan Montik and Formula 1 legend Rubens Barrichello to discuss business insights.

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Montik and Barrichello shared their leadership experiences on the main stage during the Leaders Summit, engaging the audience with invaluable lessons. Ivan Montik took on the role of interviewer, drawing out key leadership insights from Rubens Barrichello, who spoke about the critical lessons he learned as a Formula 1 driver and how he applies them to business as a leader. The event, tailored for leaders, offered inspiration to everyone in attendance.

From the stage, Rubens Barrichello reflected on the importance of practice and adaptability: “Natural ability can take you far, but without practice and repetition, it’s not enough. In both racing and business, it’s about adapting quickly, refocusing, and constantly improving to handle whatever comes your way.” He added on teamwork and leadership: “Success comes when there’s a balance in the team. Whether racing or running a business, trust among team members and knowing everyone’s role is key. A good leader isn’t just someone who gives orders but listens, learns, and works closely with their team.”

During his speech, Ivan Montik commented on leadership in business: “In today’s fast-paced world, leaders need to be adaptable and ready to make decisions on the fly. It’s not just about managing tasks but about motivating your team, fostering trust, and allowing everyone to contribute to the organisation’s success.”

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The three days in Lisbon were filled with memorable moments, including the Grand Party celebrating SOFTSWISS’s 15th anniversary, attended by over 500 guests in the best venue in the city. The legendary DJ Benny Benassi took the stage, energizing the audience and turning the celebration into an unforgettable night.

A standout highlight was the Track Day led by Rubens Barrichello, where participants learned directly from the Formula 1 legend. Rubens guided the group through various high-performance driving experiences, including sessions in a Formula 4 car, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, and Porsche 718. He provided real-time guidance, performance feedback, and expert insights, teaching participants advanced driving skills and techniques, making it an unforgettable learning experience.

SOFTSWISS will shine again at its next major appearance at SIGMA Malta in November 2024.

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About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.