Head of New Zealand
Department: Country Management
Reporting to: Head of Markets
Location: New Zealand (relocation to New Zealand required)
Salary: Based on experience
Overview
A global digital entertainment business is preparing to enter the newly regulated New Zealand online wagering market and is seeking a commercially driven Head of New Zealand to lead market launch, performance and long-term growth.
This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for defining regional strategy, ensuring full regulatory and AML readiness, and delivering sustainable revenue across multiple brands. The position will shape market entry, build key partnerships, optimise player experience, and align product, marketing and commercial functions to local market needs.
Given the emerging nature of the New Zealand talent landscape, the role will be hired from Australia with a relocation requirement.
Key Responsibilities
* Own the New Zealand market strategy, setting KPIs, budgets and commercial targets aligned to global objectives
* Lead market entry planning, regulatory readiness, licensing and AML compliance in a newly legalised environment
* Drive revenue growth through partnerships, performance marketing, product localisation and customer lifecycle optimisation
* Manage multi-brand positioning, ensuring clear segmentation, competitive differentiation and strong player value propositions
* Oversee acquisition, retention, VIP and multi-channel campaigns with a focus on ROI and lifetime value
* Analyse market performance, delivering insight-led recommendations to senior stakeholders and influencing investment decisions
* Collaborate cross-functionally with product, trading, compliance and marketing teams to localise the roadmap and improve operational efficiency
* Establish reporting frameworks, streamline processes and build scalable market operations
* Represent the business with regulators, industry bodies and strategic partners
* Build and lead a high-performing regional team while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous improvement
Requirements
* Proven leadership experience in the gambling industry
* Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering market growth, revenue and ROI
* Deep understanding of New Zealand regulatory frameworks or experience launching in newly regulated markets
* Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, KPI management and performance reporting
* Experience managing cross-functional stakeholders and influencing at a senior level
* Background in customer acquisition, retention, VIP and data-driven marketing strategies
* Excellent communication, presentation and people leadership skills
* Ability to operate in a fast-moving, ambiguous market environment and build structure from the ground up
Desirable
* Experience across both sportsbook and casino verticals
* Exposure to sponsorships, partnerships or brand ambassador programmes
* Direct engagement with regulators and licensing processes
What's on Offer
* Opportunity to lead market entry ahead of anticipated regulatory reform
* Significant strategic ownership and visibility at the executive level
* Competitive package aligned to experience
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