Super Group promotes Kirsty Ross as COO after strong Q1 2026 results

Super Group has announced the promotion of Kirsty Ross to the role of chief operating officer with immediate effect, expanding her responsibilities within the global online betting and gaming group. The appointment comes during a period of continued commercial growth for the company, which recently reported record quarterly revenue for the first quarter of 2026.

The company, best known as the parent group of Betway and Spin, confirmed that Ross will continue to hold her existing positions as chief of staff and chief people officer while taking on the additional operational leadership role. The move forms part of a broader management reshuffle as Super Group continues refining its organisational structure to support long-term international expansion.

The announcement was made shortly after the business published its latest financial results, which showed strong year-on-year revenue growth driven largely by performance in African markets.

Kirsty Ross takes on expanded leadership role

Kirsty Ross joined Super Group in October 2023 and has since played a prominent role in the company’s executive management structure. During her time with the business, she has overseen people strategy, organisational development and internal operational coordination across several international markets.

By elevating Ross to chief operating officer, Super Group is placing a senior executive with experience in both operational management and corporate leadership at the centre of the company’s next growth phase.

Ross replaces Jason Kenny, who had served as chief operating officer for approximately 18 months. Super Group has not publicly confirmed Kenny’s next position within the organisation following the leadership adjustment.

Before joining Super Group, Ross held senior positions at Renaissance Capital. Her professional background also includes experience with Bank of America, Investec and Gensec Bank, giving her a broad financial and operational background across international markets.

In comments released alongside the announcement, Ross highlighted her focus on operational efficiency, scalability and long-term execution.

“Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with teams across the business, supporting our leaders, strengthening how we operate and helping to connect strategy with execution. I’m excited to continue building on the strong foundations already in place. Super Group is a business driven by talented people, clear ambition and a global mindset. In this role, my focus will be on enabling our teams to operate effectively, scale sustainably and deliver against our long-term priorities.”

The company has not indicated that the restructuring is connected to any operational concerns. Instead, the promotion appears to reflect Super Group’s efforts to strengthen internal leadership as the company expands across regulated and developing gaming markets.

Super Group reports record quarterly revenue

The executive reshuffle coincided with the publication of Super Group’s Q1 2026 financial results, which showed continued momentum across multiple business segments.

According to the company, total quarterly revenue reached $612 million, representing an 18% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The result marked the highest quarterly revenue figure reported by the group to date.

Super Group also introduced a revised reporting structure during the quarter. Rather than separating financial disclosures between the Betway sportsbook brand and the Spin online casino operation, the business has now reorganised reporting around two geographical divisions: Africa and International.

Management stated that the new segment approach better reflects how the company operates strategically across different regions and allows investors to evaluate market-specific performance more clearly.

Africa becomes a key growth engine

One of the strongest developments in the latest quarterly results was the continued expansion of Super Group’s African business.

Revenue from African operations rose by 33% year on year to $267 million, making the region one of the company’s fastest-growing markets. The performance reflects ongoing customer acquisition activity and increased engagement across sports betting and online gaming products.

Africa has become increasingly important for global gaming operators over recent years due to rising internet penetration, expanding smartphone usage and growing interest in digital betting products across several regulated jurisdictions.

Super Group has maintained a significant presence in multiple African territories through the Betway brand, particularly in sports betting markets where football remains a major driver of customer activity.

The company did not provide detailed country-by-country figures in the announcement, though the broader regional performance suggests continued market strength despite ongoing regulatory changes across parts of the continent.

Industry analysts have frequently pointed to Africa as one of the most commercially promising regions for international gaming operators due to its large population base and increasing digital adoption rates.

International division continues steady expansion

Outside Africa, Super Group’s International segment also delivered positive growth during the quarter.

Revenue from international operations increased by 9% year on year to $339 million. The segment includes markets across Europe, North America, Latin America and other international jurisdictions where the company maintains gaming operations.

While growth in the international segment was more moderate than in Africa, the figures still demonstrated resilience in what remains a highly competitive global online gaming environment.

Operators in regulated markets continue facing rising compliance costs, increased taxation and tighter advertising controls in several jurisdictions. Despite these conditions, Super Group maintained positive revenue momentum and continued investment in its international footprint.

The company has also continued focusing on customer retention, technology development and product diversification as part of its broader commercial strategy.

EBITDA rises despite profit pressure

Super Group’s adjusted EBITDA for the quarter increased by 36% to $152 million, reflecting stronger operational performance and revenue growth.

However, despite improved EBITDA, net profit declined sharply compared to the previous year. The company reported net profit of $65 million, representing a 65% decrease year on year.

According to Super Group, the reduction was largely linked to negative foreign currency translation impacts that affected reported earnings during the quarter.

Foreign exchange fluctuations can significantly influence the financial reporting of multinational gaming operators due to exposure across multiple currencies and international markets.

The company did not indicate that the decline in net profit reflected underlying operational weakness. Instead, management maintained its existing full-year guidance without revision.

Super Group continues to forecast full-year revenue of at least $2.55 billion alongside adjusted EBITDA exceeding $680 million for 2026.

Maintaining guidance despite currency-related pressure may indicate confidence from management regarding the company’s overall operational trajectory and market performance for the remainder of the year.

Leadership changes reflect broader strategic focus

The promotion of Kirsty Ross appears closely aligned with Super Group’s evolving operational structure and international ambitions.

As the company expands across diverse regulatory environments and competitive markets, operational coordination and scalable management systems are becoming increasingly important.

Ross’s experience in organisational leadership and cross-functional management may position her to oversee operational efficiency during a period of sustained growth.

At the same time, the revised reporting structure signals a stronger focus on regional market performance rather than brand-specific reporting. This may provide investors with a clearer picture of where future growth opportunities are emerging within the business.

Super Group continues operating in an industry shaped by changing regulation, technological innovation and growing competition among international betting and gaming companies. Leadership stability and operational execution are therefore likely to remain central priorities for the group moving forward.

Conclusion

Super Group’s decision to appoint Kirsty Ross as chief operating officer comes at a significant moment for the company as it reports record quarterly revenue and continues expanding across international gaming markets.

Ross’s promotion reflects the company’s emphasis on operational management, scalable growth and long-term strategic coordination. Her existing involvement in executive leadership positions may help provide continuity as Super Group navigates increasingly competitive and regulated markets.

Financially, the company delivered strong top-line growth during the first quarter of 2026, with Africa emerging as a particularly important contributor to overall performance. Although foreign currency impacts affected net profit, Super Group maintained its full-year guidance and signalled continued confidence in its business outlook.

As the online gaming sector continues evolving globally, Super Group’s latest leadership changes and financial results suggest the company remains focused on strengthening both its operational framework and its international growth strategy.

FAQs

What position has Kirsty Ross been promoted to at Super Group?
Kirsty Ross has been promoted to chief operating officer at Super Group while continuing her existing executive responsibilities.

When did Kirsty Ross join Super Group?
She joined Super Group in October 2023 as part of the company’s senior leadership team.

Which brands operate under Super Group?
Super Group is known for operating brands including Betway and Spin.

Who previously served as COO at Super Group?
Jason Kenny previously held the chief operating officer role for approximately 18 months.

What were Super Group’s Q1 2026 revenues?
The company reported quarterly revenue of $612 million during the first quarter of 2026.

How much did Africa revenue grow for Super Group?
Revenue from African operations increased by 33% year on year to $267 million.

Why did Super Group’s net profit decline?
The company stated that negative foreign currency translation impacts affected reported net profit.

Did Super Group change its financial guidance for 2026?
No, the company maintained its full-year revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance.

What reporting changes did Super Group introduce?
The company replaced separate Betway and Spin reporting with Africa and International operating segments.

Why is Africa important to Super Group’s growth strategy?
Africa continues showing strong growth potential due to increasing digital adoption and expanding online betting markets.