North American daily fantasy sports operator PrizePicks has appointed Mike Ybarra as chief executive officer to succeed Adam Wexler.
Ybarra assumes the chief executive’s office with immediate effect, with former CEO Wexler becoming executive chairman of the company.
This is Ybarra’s first role in the iGaming industry after an extensive career in video games and technology.
Ybarra began his career with Hewlett-Packard in 1997 as a software development engineer before spending nearly two decades at Microsoft, where he ultimately served as corporate vice president of Xbox Live, Xbox Game Pass, and Mixer.
He also served as EVP and general manager of platform and technology at Blizzard Entertainment before being promoted to serve as president between August 2021 and May 2024.
“On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to thank Adam for his tireless contributions as PrizePicks’ Founder, building this organisation into one of the leading fan engagement platforms from the ground up,” said Jon Hallett, member of PrizePicks’ board of managers.
“Under his tenure, PrizePicks has experienced a period of remarkable growth and enters this transition with an incredible amount of momentum and strength. Ybarra is the right leader for the next phase of the company’s journey, and we are pleased that he will be partnering with Adam to unlock future expansion opportunities.”
Commenting on his new role, Ybarra said: “I am impressed with the passion, positive energy and incredible team at PrizePicks and want to thank Adam and the board for this opportunity.
“PrizePicks is the most exciting company in sports entertainment today, and it’s an honour to join as CEO. I have tremendous respect for the foundation that Adam has built and look forward to working with him and the team.”
PrizePicks offers daily fantasy sports contests in 35 jurisdictions in the United States, as well as in Canada, with the company recently securing approval to launch in New Hampshire.
Adam Packer, SVP of legal and compliance at PrizePicks, commented: “We are thrilled to be able to offer our skill-based fantasy offering to sports fans throughout the Granite State.We are grateful to the New Hampshire Lottery Commission for their thoughtful collaboration.”