Christmas exit for betr’s Holley

Wagering company betr has announced that chief financial officer Darren Holley will step down from his role on December 31, ending almost five years with the digital wagering operator.

Holley joined the business in February 2021 and played a central role in the initial BlueBet IPO, its subsequent combination with betr, and later the acquisition of TopSport.

The company has appointed group financial controller Blake Matthews as acting CFO. Matthews, who joined the business in 2020, brings experience across finance, strategy, management, and mergers and acquisitions execution and integration.

Chief executive officer Andrew Menz thanked Holley for his contribution during a period of significant corporate activity, including multiple equity raises and major transactions.

“He has been a tremendous colleague and leader who has played a critical role in the growth of the company, including leading our finance function through an IPO, multiple equity raises and transformational acquisitions,” Menz said.

“Blake brings significant and diverse experience across finance, strategy and M&A execution and integration. I look forward to working closely with Blake, as well as our chief operating officer Bill Richmond and the wider betr team as we continue to execute our ambitious growth plans.”

Founding chairman and non‑executive director Michael Sullivan also acknowledged Holley’s role in guiding the company through its transition into public markets and its expansion initiatives, wishing him well in future endeavours.

Holley will also relinquish his position as joint company secretary at the end of the year. Laura Newell will assume sole ownership of that role.

After its merger with BlueBet in mid-2024, betr then acquired TopSport in early 2025 before a concerted, but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to secure a majority stake of rival PointsBet.

Betr current controls 27.1 per cent of PointsBet shares, with Japanese-owned MIXI the majority shareholder.

Menz has indicated that betr, which holds around five per cent of the digital market share in Australia, will look to pursue further inorganic growth via acquisition in 2026.