PrizePicks names Mike Ybarra Chief Executive Officer

The largest skill-based daily fantasy sports operator and the fastest-growing sports company in North America according to the 2023 Inc. 5000 rankings, PrizePicks, announced a major change to its senior-level team.

Earlier this week, the company confirmed it selected the former President of Blizzard Entertainment, Mike Ybarra, for the important role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Joining the company, he will fill in for the CEO role from Adam Wexler, PrizePicks' CEO and Founder, who will transition to an Executive Chairman position.

PrizePicks said that Ybarra's appointment is with immediate effect, and it comes during an important time in the company's growth.

Since PrizePicks was founded in 2017, Wexler has played a key role in its expansion and transformation.

Under his guidance, the company changed from a startup into a leading daily fantasy company with a strong presence in North America.

Currently, PrizePicks leverages a profitable business model that enables it to grow rapidly.

The company awards billions of dollars in winnings and has more than 10 million members.

Ybarra is honored to take on the challenge of being a CEO

In a statement, Ybarra shared his excitement about the opportunity to lead an innovative business such as PrizePicks.

"I am impressed with the passion, positive energy and incredible team at PrizePicks and want to thank Adam and the Board for this opportunity," he explained.

Additionally, the exec said that the company is one of the most exciting businesses within the sports entertainment vertical, adding that he will be honored to hold the role of CEO.

Finally, Ybarra pointed out: "I have tremendous respect for the foundation that Adam has built and look forward to working with him and the team."

As noted, Ybarra was most recently President of Blizzard Entertainment.

He brings more than 25 years of experience as a leader within the entertainment industry.

Besides Blizzard Entertainment, Ybarra held the role of Corporate VP for Microsoft for nearly two decades.

The new CEO is a perfect fit for the important role

Jon Hallett, member of PrizePicks' Board of Managers, thanked Wexler on behalf of the Board and acknowledged his exceptional leadership that played a key role in the growth of PrizePicks.

"Under his tenure, PrizePicks has experienced a period of remarkable growth and enters this transition with an incredible amount of momentum and strength," he added.

Finally, Hallett said that Ybarra is the perfect leader who can fill the CEO role.

Wexler was just as excited about the latest announcement.

He said that he is proud to see what PrizePicks accomplished in the last few years with its player-first mindset and culture of innovation.

Finally, Wexler spoke about Ybarra's track record and experience, predicting that he will help the company retain its growth trajectory.

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