In a significant move to bolster its public policy and regulatory affairs capabilities, FanDuel Group has announced the appointment of two senior executives with extensive backgrounds in the highest levels of US government and professional sports.
The strategic hires are aimed at guiding the online gaming company through the complex and dynamic regulatory developments across North America.
Shailagh Murray joins the company as its new Senior Vice President of Public Affairs. Murray’s distinguished career spans journalism, public policy, and strategic communications. Before this appointment, she was the Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at Columbia University.
Her move to FanDuel marks a return to the private sector after six years in pivotal roles within the Obama administration, where she served as a Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama and previously as Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director to then-Vice President Joe Biden.
Her early career as a journalist included covering major national and global events for leading publications such as the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post.
Additionally, Jonathan Nabavi has been named Vice President of Federal Affairs. Nabavi brings invaluable industry and legislative experience to FanDuel, transitioning from his role at the National Football League (NFL), where he managed the league’s public policy agenda and was a key advisor on its sports betting strategy.
His deep experience in Washington includes serving as Majority Counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee under Chairman Chuck Grassley and as Counsel for the House Oversight Committee, alongside several senior advisory positions for members of Congress.
Christian Genetski, President of FanDuel, commented on the strategic importance of the new appointments:
As we look to the future, we understand the important role FanDuel must play in policy discussions that will address how we build and shape the online gaming industry over the long term. Shailagh and Jon bring decades of experience navigating difficult policy issues in a thoughtful, collaborative manner. We are confident they are the right leaders to work alongside key stakeholders to grow our industry responsibly and sustainably.