Derek Smith
Durbanville
Summary
A proven and experienced leader with over 18 years' online gaming, Business Development and Marketing experience, with a track record of ensuring that highly technical and creative teams work together effectively as well as devising, driving and being held responsible for strategic goals and key objectives across the organisation. Skilled problem solver with proven ability to thrive in fast-paced work environments whilst creating, building and managing highly delivery-oriented, multi-functional and scalable teams. Extensive background and dedicated focus on market expansion and improving financial health of existing markets.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
New Market Manager
DigiOutsource Services
Cape Town, South Africa
11.2025 - 06.2026
- Managed marketing strategies for each brand, focusing on Welcome and Retention offers, Gamification, and Loyalty initiatives to enhance customer engagement.
- Spearheaded new R&D initiatives and casino launches across the Group.
- Oversaw financial funnel and developed strategies for player journey flows, optimising profitability across brand offerings.
- Assisted in devising robust financial forecasts resulting in a positive EBITDA
- Acted as primary stakeholder for commercial contracts and third-party relationships, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Deep understanding of the Regulatory and Legal landscape, ensuring that the brands are compliant yet competitive
- Understanding of blockchain technology and how that can be leveraged in the iGaming industry
Divisional Head of Market Development
DigiOutsource Services
Cape Town, Western Cape
03.2020 - 10.2025
- Developed and implemented multi-market strategies to achieve commercial growth and enhance customer relationship management across the department
- Managed team of Market Development Managers to grow and develop global markets, concentrating on key dot com and regulated sectors
- Ownership and accountability for P&L across the spectrum of markets
- Experienced in devising, agreeing and implementing KPIs and metrics in order to react quickly to underperforming markets and optimise the retention strategies accordingly
- Conducted detailed feasibility studies in Emerging Markets to assess commercial viability of new market entries
Divisional Head of Market Development
DigiOutsource Services
Durbanville, Western Cape
07.2020 - 07.2020
- Led Division of Product and Country Account Managers in managing comprehensive suite of products and services developed by External Product providers.
- Managed stakeholder relationships across all management levels to ensure alignment and effective communication.
- Coordinated processes for product development, including research, requirements gathering, specification, project management, and country management.
- Acquired in-depth understanding of the product software development life cycle through hands-on experience.
- Gained distinctive insights into both business operations and technology implementations within the company.
- Developed broad expertise by working in various sectors within the industry.
- Ensuring that good business and development life cycles are followed, both across dot com as well as regulated markets
- DigiOutsource Services, Cape Town, South Africa
Service Manager
Derivco
Durban
07.2020 - 07.2020
- Acted as primary contact and escalation point for a diverse portfolio of operators within my account management responsibilities
- Ensured operator satisfaction through proactive management and support, serving as an escalation channel for MGS and Microgaming operators into Derivco
- Managed the technical and operational coordination of the Operators' account.
- Marketed and delivered a full range of products and services to achieve satisfaction and success for operators and stakeholders
- Key Responsibilities include: Excellent communication and stakeholder management, both internally as well as externally
- Derivco, Durban, South Africa
Digital Account Manager
The Independent Newspaper
London
10.2010 - 03.2012
- Developed, presented, sold, and managed online and cross-platform advertising solutions for clients at The Independent Newspaper and London Evening Standard Online.
- Managed advertising campaigns and reported outcomes to demonstrate campaign effectiveness.
- Key Responsibilities include: Developing and presenting potential advertising campaigns in response to briefs, requests or by proactively seeking out new business
- Established strong relationships with numerous advertising agencies across the UK.
- Working closely with internal sales departments in order to maximise advertising spend
- The Independent Newspaper, London UK
Digital Sales Manager
The Independent Newspaper
London
09.2010 - 09.2010
- Managed online advertising, sales, and marketing strategies for 3 affiliate websites, enhancing digital presence and engagement.
- The Independent Newspaper, London, UK
- Troubleshot problems and diagnosed system faults.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce MBM Degree - Marketing and Business Management
Damelin College
Durban, South Africa03-2008
High School Diploma -
Glenwood High School
Durban, South Africa01-2000
Skills
- New Business Development
- Market entry strategy
- Market Analysis
- Retention Marketing
- Customer relationship management
- Project Management
- Business Management
- Team Management
Websites, Portfolios and Profiles
www.linkedin.com/in/derek-smith176a4713
Timeline
New Market Manager
DigiOutsource Services
11.2025 - 06.2026
Divisional Head of Market Development
DigiOutsource Services
07.2020 - 07.2020
Service Manager
Derivco
07.2020 - 07.2020
Divisional Head of Market Development
DigiOutsource Services
03.2020 - 10.2025
Digital Account Manager
The Independent Newspaper
10.2010 - 03.2012
Digital Sales Manager
The Independent Newspaper
09.2010 - 09.2010
Bachelor of Commerce MBM Degree - Marketing and Business Management
Damelin College
High School Diploma -
Glenwood High School