PENN Entertainment Appoints Billy Turchin as Chief Product Officer

PENN Entertainment has appointed Billy Turchin as Chief Product Officer (CPO) of its Interactive division. Turchin brings over a decade of experience in product strategy and innovation. 

He previously served as Senior Vice President of Product at FanDuel, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s product offerings. PENN expects his leadership to drive digital product development and improve user experiences across all platforms.

Specifically, Turchin will oversee the digital product strategy across the company’s real money online casino and gaming portfolio. This includes ESPN Bet, Hollywood Casino, theScore Bet, and theScore Casino apps in Ontario.

PENN Entertainment Forges Onward with Expansion Efforts

Turchin’s appointment aligns with PENN’s strategic focus on expanding its digital footprint. The company has been actively enhancing its technology infrastructure to support growth in online gaming and online sportsbook offerings. 

In 2023, PENN completed the migration of Barstool Sportsbook & Casino to its proprietary technology platform, marking a significant milestone in its digital transformation. This migration has enabled PENN to offer a more streamlined and personalized user experience, with improved navigation, faster load times, and expanded wagering markets.

Moreover, Turchin’s expertise is expected to further PENN’s efforts in integrating its digital platforms with media assets. The company’s long-term strategic alliance with ESPN, announced in 2023, aims to leverage ESPN’s brand and reach to expand PENN’s digital ecosystem. This collaboration is anticipated to enhance customer engagement and drive growth in PENN’s interactive division.

With Turchin at the helm of product strategy, PENN is poised to continue its trajectory of innovation and growth. His expertise in the competitive online gaming and sports betting market will be pivotal for their targets moving forward. In fact, his appointment underscores the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge products and exceptional user experiences.​

“I’m thrilled to be part of shaping what comes next and grateful for the opportunity to be a disrupter in this rapidly evolving industry,” Turchin added.

Internal Movements and Appointments

Turchin’s appointment comes one year after the Levy family stepped down from roles at PENN Interactive. Furthermore, Benjie Levy, son of theScore founder John Levy, served as Head of Interactive and theScore’s COO until April 2024. At that time, PENN said it was close to naming a new Head of Interactive. 

PENN named LaBerge Chief Technology Officer on April 22, 2024, after leaving the role officially unfilled. The company said LaBerge would lead the Interactive division as its key business figure.

However, under LaBerge, ESPN Bet expanded to more states but didn’t meet early market expectations. Along with this, Hollywood Casino became an omnichannel brand, and TheScore introduced new features and launched a standalone casino app.