PointsBet Welcomes Three New Directors Following MIXI Takeover

PointsBet Holdings Limited has unveiled changes to its board of directors, following its acquisition by MIXI Australia. The company announced the appointment of three new directors and the departure of five existing ones.

PointsBet Welcomed Three New NEDs

In its official announcement, PointsBet announced that Sho Okuyama, Kanji Kobayashi, and Taishi Oba have joined its board of directors as non-executive directors, effective from October 6. The original press release noted that the three are considered to be non-independent directors due to the fact that they were appointed by the sportsbook’s majority shareholder, MIXI Australia.

PointsBet said that Okuyama is a MIXI member who joined the Japanese tech company in 2016, after years of experience with venture capital and startup firms. He was eventually named senior corporate officer in 2023 and is currently responsible for managing the TIPSTAR business as the head of the Social Betting Department.

Okuyama became a MIXI Australia director in 2024 and has now become one of PointsBet’s latest directors as well.

Kobayashi, on the other hand, has served MIXI for almost two decades, joining the company immediately after graduating in 2007. As a long-time member of the MIXI family, he has occupied a variety of positions, including general manager of the Legal Affairs Division, corporate officer, and senior corporate officer.

Kobayashi became a MIXI Australia director earlier this year, with his responsibilities now expanding due to his appointment as a PointsBet NED.

Last but not least, Oba joined MIXI in 2024, following stints at KPMG Japan and VT Holdings. As a MIXI member, Oba has played an important role in deal execution and post-merger integration, with a primary focus on Australia.

This made him perfect for the positions of a director at MIXI Australia and PointsBet.

Five Board Members Have Retired

In the meantime, PointsBet announced that five of its existing directors, namely Becky Harris, Tony Symons, Kosha Gada, Peter McCluskey, and William Grounds have resigned as directors of the company, effective from October 6.

PointsBet added that Brett Paton will retain his position as chair, while Sam Swanell will continue to serve as managing director.

PointsBet thanked the five retiring directors for their incredible service. In its official statement, the company said: “PointsBet thanks each of the retiring directors for the dedication, service, professionalism, expertise and experience they have contributed individually and collectively to the Company and their strategic guidance to the Company, including throughout the MIXI Offer process.”