Business
Simon Westbury Departs Digitain and SportGenerate
Simon Westbury has officially stepped down from his roles at Digitain and SportGenerate after five and a half years of significant contributions to both businesses. Reflecting on his journey in a heartfelt statement, Westbury emphasized his passion for the roles and expressed gratitude to the teams he led. As he now takes time to “chill and catch up on sleep,” his departure marks a pivotal moment for both companies.
Simon Westbury Leaves Digitain and SportGenerate After Over Five Years with the Companies
After five and a half years of transformative leadership at Digitain and SportGenerate, Simon Westbury has announced his departure from the businesses. Westbury, who served as Chief Business Officer (CBO) of Digitain from January 2021 to January 2023 before stepping into the role of CEO at SportGenerate, confirmed his exit on 11 October 2024.
In a post shared on LinkedIn, Westbury reflected on his time at the two companies, stating: “As CBO of Digitain and CEO of Generate, the last half of a decade has been more than a job, it has been an all-consuming passion where the good memories have definitely outweighed the bad.” Westbury went on to express his gratitude to Vardges Vardanyan, Founder of Digitain, for the opportunities he had during his tenure, before signing off with, “Thanks for the memories, now it is time to chill and catch up on sleep.”
Key Points:
- Departure After 5.5 Years: Simon Westbury leaves Digitain and SportGenerate after more than five years of leadership, having served as both CBO and CEO.
- Reflecting on His Journey: Westbury emphasized the passion, momentum, and success he experienced while leading both businesses.
- Future Plans: Westbury expressed his intention to take a break, focusing on relaxation and reflecting on the next steps in his career.
Westbury’s departure comes at a crucial time for Digitain, which has recently gained approvals to begin operations in the UK market, expanding its European footprint. With a license from the Hellenic Gaming Commission allowing the company to operate in Greece, Digitain is positioning itself for further growth in the region.
Reflecting on his leadership style, Westbury noted the importance of empowering colleagues and removing barriers for them to excel. He also highlighted the value of integrity in his leadership roles, stating, “Integrity is very important to me, and I believe I can say I can hold my head high.”
A New Chapter for Westbury
In an earlier interview with Gambling Insider, Westbury described the challenges he faced when transitioning from business development to his role as CEO at SportGenerate. “Being CEO has not come as naturally, as skills that I had not developed in previous roles are needed, and I have been learning on the job,” he shared, adding that the experience had helped him become a more well-rounded professional.
While Digitain continues its European expansion, Westbury leaves behind a legacy of innovation and growth that has helped shape the company’s current position in the global gaming industry. His leadership played a key role in Digitain’s success as it secured critical regulatory approvals and expanded its presence across multiple markets.
After an impactful five and a half years, Simon Westbury has stepped down from his roles at Digitain and SportGenerate, leaving behind a strong legacy of leadership and growth. As he takes a well-deserved break to relax and reflect, the companies will continue to build on the foundations laid during his tenure, particularly as Digitain focuses on its European expansion in the coming years.