19 JUNE 2025
At Betfair International, our people are the driving force behind the innovation, energy, and success of our brand across global markets. Andrew O'Rourke, our Head of Digital Media exemplifies this perfectly, whose career journey with us began straight out of university and has grown into a leadership role that spans continents and sporting legends.
We caught up with him to hear more about his first steps at Betfair, the pivotal projects that shaped his path, and the philosophy that keeps him inspired to grow — both personally and professionally.
Can you describe your first role at Betfair International and what attracted you to join?
I started in Betfair in 2015 as a social advertising executive. It was my first time role after graduating college, where I studied Marketing and completed a thesis on Online and Mobile Gambling, so I was very lucky to begin my career exactly where I wanted to. The culture in Betfair was a perfect fit with me from day one and that’s been consistent throughout my time here.
Were there specific projects or milestones that stand out as pivotal moments in your career?
I have been lucky to have been involved in some amazing campaigns over the years, including an activation with one of my sporting heroes, Eric Cantona, when I was working across the Paddy Power brand. I spent a few years across both Betfair and Paddy Power in the UKI business before I made the move to Betfair International and that was a huge moment for me in my career and opened some fantastic opportunities for me, leading me to my current role as Head of Digital Media.
In that time, I’ve had the pleasure of launching Betfair in Brazil and getting to work with another couple of sporting legends in Ronaldo and Rivaldo. I have also had the opportunity to work across a number of regions, including Spain, Italy, Romania, Peru and Colombia, which has been an amazing learning experience for me.\
What challenges did you face during your career journey, and how did you overcome them?
Being part of Flutter for 10 years, I have been here through a lot of change in the business, from the first merger between Paddy Power and Betfair to where the company is today. That change can bring uncertainty at times, but it also brought opportunity, and I was able to identify that early on and felt I have made the most of it, getting to work across multiple brands and multiple regions in my time. Have that mindset of seeing change as an opportunity has been really beneficial and it has opened a lot of doors for me as the Flutter expanded.
Is there a piece of advice you wish you’d received earlier in your career?
One piece of advice I wish I had received earlier in my career is: ‘Progress is more important than perfection.’ Early on, I often delayed starting projects or sharing ideas because I felt they weren’t ‘perfect’ yet. But over time, I’ve learned that growth comes from taking action, learning through experience, and improving along the way. If I had embraced that mindset earlier, I would have taken more initiative, learned faster, and been more confident in sharing my work. Now, I encourage others to take that first step — even if it’s not perfect.
What kind of support or resources has Betfair International provided that has helped you grow your career?
I’ve been extremely lucky to have had some fantastic mentors in my time, who have given me the guidance for me to progress my career. It’s been so valuable to be able to talk to someone who really knows the business and has experienced similar hurdles in their career, but who doesn’t sit in your immediate team to be able to give more objective advice.
I’ve also made sure to make the most of the learning and development funds and time that are provided to us. I have completed multiple courses, including public speaking training, mini-MBAs in brand marketing and management, leadership courses and Duolingo to help me bond with my Brazilian teammates.
What motivates you to stay with Betfair International and continue contributing to its success?
What motivates me to stay with Betfair International and continue contributing to its success is a combination of purpose, growth, and people. I genuinely believe in the company’s mission and the impact we make, which gives meaning to my work. I also appreciate the opportunities to learn and grow — whether it’s developing new skills, taking on challenges, or working on projects that stretch me. Lastly, and probably the most important reason, the team culture plays a big role. Being surrounded by talented, supportive colleagues creates an environment where I feel motivated and enjoy coming to work every day.
Is there a mantra or personal philosophy that has guided you through your career?
A mantra that has guided me throughout my career is: ‘Success is a team sport.’ I believe that no matter how skilled you are individually, true success comes from collaboration and a positive, solutions-focused attitude. I’ve learned that being a reliable team player — someone who listens, supports others, and shows up with the right mindset — not only builds trust but also drives collective success. Bringing energy, respect, and a willingness to help has always opened doors and strengthened the teams I’ve been part of.
From Andrew's first day as a social advertising executive to leading digital media strategy across international markets, his journey shows what’s possible when passion meets opportunity. With a mindset rooted in growth and a belief in teamwork, he continues to shape the future of Betfair International in impactful ways.
At Betfair International, we’re proud to empower stories like his — where ambition, learning, and collaboration come together to drive careers forward.
