PointsBet Canada has appointed former Rogers Communications director Brett Jackman as its new Vice President of Strategy as it looks to build upon its launch in the Ontario market.

The company says Jackman brings 15 years of strategy and transformation leadership experience to the position. Most notably, as Senior Director of Corporate Strategy for Rogers, he played a key role in the firm’s $26bn acquisition of Shaw Communications and also helped the company’s efforts to bring high-speed connectivity to underserved rural and indigenous households across Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

In previous roles, he has advised large North American businesses on their growth strategy initiatives and top priorities, including new market and product launches, enterprise transformations, and M&A.

Commenting on his new role, Jackman said in a news release: “The opening of the regulated iGaming market in Ontario represents one of the most exciting business opportunities within Canada in recent memory. As the industry collectively continues to build, we know this space will soon touch so many Canadians from coast to coast to coast. I look forward to playing a role in ensuring that PointsBet Canada capitalizes on this incredible opportunity and delivers a truly authentic and differentiated product experience for Canadian sports fans.”

PointsBet Canada has been very active in recent months as it looks to establish itself as a contender for market leadership in Ontario, partnering with the likes of Toronto-focused sports conglomerate Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) and the Ottawa Redblacks CFL franchise.

After securing a license to operate in Ontario, the company also went public in February with its desire to potentially expand operations into Alberta.

“Brett’s expertise and vision will be absolutely crucial in helping shape PointsBet Canada’s priorities as we forge further ahead into the budding sports betting landscape,” said CEO Scott Vanderwel. “As our commitment so far has shown, PointsBet Canada has big ambitions, and I am thrilled to have Brett alongside us moving forward to help shape and drive our growth agenda, building upon the strong foundation we’ve assembled thus far.”