Samolyk exits as head of brand and sponsorship at Kindred

Samolyk has served in the role for three years having been with Kindred since March 2012.

Prior to his current position, Samolyk had been brand sponsorship and insight lead for a year. He also spent time as brand manager, acquisition specialist and campaign manager.

“After just over 11 years at Kindred Group, the time has come for me to move on,” Samolyk said in a LinkedIn post. “It feels a bit surreal because, after a decade, I look back and I’m really grateful and happy. Staying this long probably says it all.

“I got to work in a business that’s changed so much and so many times and always grow with it. A business that set the direction for the sector. I’ve met people who taught me so much and always had my back. 

“I got to work in what I’m most passionate about, brand and sponsorship. On some of the biggest and coolest brands in the sector and hopefully making them even cooler.

“11 is my favourite number on roulette and so it’s only right that, after hitting that number at Kindred, I take my chips, go to the bar and think about my next play.”

Q2 growth at Kindred amid strategic review 

Samolyk’s announcement comes after Kindred last month posted its results for the second quarter.

Revenue increased by 29% year-on-year to £307.3m (€356.8m/$392.2m). Interim CEO Nils Andén said focus on cost controls and a strong performance in the Netherlands are keeping the business on track to surpass full-year earnings expectations.

This comes against the backdrop of an ongoing strategic review, which launched back in April. At the time, Kindred said this could lead to a potential merger, sale or partial sale of the business.

Since the review launched, Kindred has announced a number of major personnel changes. Andén joined in May and new interim chief financial officer Patrick Kortman was confirmed in June.