The online platform, which owns a range of brands such as Fanatics Betting & Gaming, aims to connect sports fans with professional teams, athletes and organisations. As well as sports betting and iGaming, Fanatics also sells sports merchandise and digital collectibles, such as NFTs.
In hiring Jett and Mildenhall, Fanatics hopes to discover, and take advantage of, new expansion opportunities.
Jett, who has worked for technology investment companies for over 20 years, also serves as Managing Partner at SoftBank’s Vision Fund. SoftBank is one of Fanatics’ financial backers, leading a $1bn investment round in 2017.
She also worked for JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs earlier in her career, most recently serving as Board Member for companies such as Perch, Ozon, Embark Veterinary and Papa.
Jett commented: “Over my past five years with the Fanatics management team, I have seen an extraordinary focus, agility and creativity targeted towards fundamentally remaking an industry to better serve its ultimate customers: leagues, athletes and fans.
“As we enter the next half-decade together, Fanatics is better positioned than ever to be a driving force behind improving a global sports fan’s experience across the digital and physical world.”
Mildenhall’s expertise lies in marketing and account management, with his 30-year career including stints at The Coca-Cola Company, Airbnb and GoFundMe.
Most recently, he formed the branding and marketing firm, TwentyFirstCenturyBrand, serving as Executive Chairman.
He will be expected to bring values to define company culture, lead on brand strategy and inform digital transformation.
Mildenhall commented: “Over the last six months I have gotten to know Michael Rubin, his executive team and the Fanatics business in a deep and substantial way. The deeper my understanding of the incredible opportunity ahead, the more irresistible the idea of joining the Board became. Fanatics will become a culturally significant global brand that will define this and further generations to come.”
