Fanatics Betting and Gaming uses AI to focus on the big picture

Our Executive Function series features perspectives from leaders driving transformation through AI. 

Fanatics Betting and Gaming⁠(opens in a new window) is the online and retail sports betting subsidiary of Fanatics, Inc., a global digital sports platform. We spoke with Andrea Ellis about the expanding role of the CFO, building internal enthusiasm for AI, and using AI to free up focus for higher-impact work.

How have you seen the CFO role evolve?

The CFO is a strategic thought partner for the business. On top of ensuring financial performance is reported accurately and on time, we really help guide corporate strategy and capital allocations, and use financial expertise to drive short and long term initiatives. Whether it’s telling the company story internally or externally, CFOs play a key role in that as well. CFOs are confidants for the CEO, and serve as a catalyst for growth and innovation.

In this sense, the role is now much more of an operational CFO that works closely with cross functional partners.

How do you ensure your finance team is operating at peak performance?

Similar to broader organization success, it boils down to people, processes, and routines. 

A high-performing team needs the right skill set, motivation, and alignment to our objectives. Second, streamlining processes ensures that tasks are executed with accuracy and efficiency. Lastly, establishing robust routines leads to consistency, drives productivity, and a culture of continuous improvement.

In a fast-paced environment like a startup, it’s also crucial to create space for experimentation and learning. Mistakes happen, and they can provide valuable lessons if approached with the right mindset.

How do you think AI can contribute to the success of your team?

There are so many places where AI can be helpful to the finance org in areas like accounting, tax, strategic finance, etc.

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You took a bit of a different approach to AI adoption than other companies. Can you tell us how you got started?

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