Joining the company from her current post as CFO at Jaywing, Ackroyd boasts considerable experience in the leisure and gambling sectors, as well in capital markets and investor relations, and will assume her new role on completion of a six-month notice period.
“I am really pleased to be joining XLMedia and look forward to working with the team to build upon the strong foundations in place and to deliver the next exciting phase,” remarked Ackroyd.
Before joining Jaywing, Ackroyd served as the CFO at Push Doctor from 2018 to 2020, Director of Commercial Finance from 2014 to 2018 at Sky Betting and Gaming, and Finance Director for Coral Interactive from 2012 to 2014, as well as several different finance roles at BSkyB from 2004 to 2012.
She will replace Rowan Ellis who is currently serving as Interim CFO at XLMedia. He will return to his usual role as a financial consultant upon Ackroyd’s assumption of the post and will support her during the transition to ensure a smooth handover.
Stuart Simms, the company’s CEO, commented: “I am excited to welcome Caroline, a highly experienced CFO, to XLMedia’s leadership team and board. Her deep understanding and intimate knowledge of our sector offers tangible value and insights, especially in light of the dramatic progress we are delivering in US sports.”
This comes off the back of a mixed year for XLMedia, which has seen its casino assets suffer while also experiencing considerable stateside growth. Its US sports segment has undergone significant expansion in 2021, with the company’s most recent American acquisition being Saturday Football Inc for a total consideration of $23m cash.
