Howard Mittman is an experienced media executive who has led sports website Bleacher Report from 2017 to 2020. Prior to this, he served as chief revenue officer and publisher at Condé Nast brands GQ and Wired.
In his new role, Mittman will be responsible for leading the rollout of 888’s Sports Illustrated sportsbook, which was created through a partnership with Sports Illustrated owner Authentic Brands Group (ABG). Currently, the brand is live in Colorado.
Mittman will also oversee the operator’s other US-facing B2B partnerships, including the market’s only interstate online poker network World Series of Poker (WSOP). The WSOP network is currently available in Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey, with Michigan soon to be added.
“I am thrilled to be joining one of the online betting industry’s most respected and successful businesses,” said Mittman. “888 has an outstanding reputation for innovation, product leadership, and customer-centricity. I have been hugely impressed by the people I’ve met within the business, particularly their passion for product and the customer experience. I share their excitement about the significant opportunities ahead.”
888’s chief executive Itai Pazner expressed the company’s intention to expand the SI brand into additional states. “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Howard as our new president of 888 US,” said Pazner. “This key appointment comes at a hugely exciting point in our long-term growth strategy in the US online betting market as we look forward to launching SI Sportsbook in multiple states in the coming months and years. We have established a platform for strong growth in the US through our world-class technology and operational expertise, with the Sports Illustrated brand, and the appointment of Howard will enable us to maximize the potential of this unique combination to further grow a profitable business in the US.”
Pazner described Mittman as an “exceptional candidate” to lead the US business, highlighting his “exceptional track record” from his time at Condé Nast and Bleacher Report. During his tenure at Bleacher Report, Mittman oversaw the launch of B/R Betting, the business’ sports betting practice, as well as the introduction of a content studio in Las Vegas.
Executive vice-chairman of ABG, Daniel W Dienst, commended 888’s decision to appoint Mittman, stating that it would help ensure the best results for the Sports Illustrated brand. “With the breadth of his media industry experience and 888’s technical capabilities, we are excited to further capitalize on the opportunity to build a differentiated wagering experience for the loyal and avid fans of sports – and in particular, Sports Illustrated – who, since 1954, continue to trust and rely on its peerless journalism and visit the platform in record numbers monthly.”
