Former Google exec joins Genius Sports as group chief technology officer
Genius Sports has named Mark Kropf as its group chief technology officer.
Kropf joins from Google where he held the position of technical director within Google’s office of the chief technology officer. In this role, Kropf played an instrumental role in advancing Google’s generative AI capabilities, improving developer experience and driving sustained innovation.
This deep expertise will be pivotal as Genius Sports expands the deployment of GeniusIQ, its next-generation sports data and AI platform which leverages machine learning and generative AI to deliver game analysis and ultra-immersive experiences.
Kropf brings over two decades of experience in technology leadership, software engineering and infrastructure management across a diverse range of sectors, including financial services, information technology and cybersecurity. Prior to his tenure at Google, he was integral to the commercialisation of Cloud Foundry at Pivotal, where he also founded and led the office of the CTO.
Driven by a career-long commitment to innovation, Kropf holds numerous patents in enterprise software and financial services technology. He is also a distinguished tech-focused investor and advisor, with a passion for supporting startups led by underrepresented groups.
Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Mark Kropf as our group CTO. His outstanding track-record of technology leadership at both Google and Pivotal, combined with his deep experience in AI-focused innovation, will play a critical role in our future. Our cutting-edge GeniusIQ platform is already driving the AI revolution in the global sports ecosystem and Mark’s expertise will play a key role in amplifying and accelerating that transformation.”
Kropf added: “Genius Sports’ technology is redefining how sports are understood and consumed globally. I look forward to supporting this continued growth and working with a remarkable team that has already positioned Genius Sports at the forefront of data and technology innovation in sport.”