PENN names former FanDuel executive Billy Turching as new Interactive division CPO

PENN Entertainment has announced the appointment of Billy Turchin as the new Chief Product Officer of its Interactive division. Turchin brings a wealth of experience to the role, including almost four years as SVP of Product for FanDuel.

In this new position, Turchin will be tasked with leading PENN's online gaming brands into the future. These include U.S. online sportsbook ESPN Bet; the recently launched Hollywood Casino app, live in three states; and theScore, including its brand-new stand-alone casino app in Ontario.

In a LinkedIn post, Turchin said: “Along with cutting-edge digital products, PENN Entertainment features the largest and most diverse gaming footprint in North America, operating 43+ casino and racetrack properties under well-known brands including Hollywood, Ameristar, L’Auberge, M, and more.

“The expansive online and physical footprint allows Penn to deliver unparalleled omni-channel entertainment experiences. I’m thrilled to be part of shaping what comes next and grateful for the opportunity to be a disrupter in this rapidly evolving industry.”

Turchin joins PENN from FanDuel, where he served for three-and-a-half years as Senior Vice President of Product. His responsibility under that role included areas such as customer acquisition and player account management, wallet and payments, KYC strategy, anti-money laundering and fraud prevention, research and analytics, geolocation, and regulatory compliance.

Investors will likely be looking to see if Turchin will be able to turn around ESPN Bet. The sportsbook remains a minor player in US sports betting, despite the $2 billion licensing deal PENN signed with Disney to leverage its ESPN brand.

Turchin's appointment is the company's third major addition to its digital leadership team in the past six months. PENN hired Gadi Rouache, formerly of Disney and ESPN, as its SVP and Head of Design, and named Mike Andrews, also formerly of Disney, as Head of Engineering in the fall. The two report to Disney and ESPN veteran Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer, who joined PENN last summer.