Youbet.com has named Jeff Franklin, 53, the company's long-time product development and player services leader, to the newly created position of president of Youbet online services, the company's online pari-mutuel wagering unit. The announcement of Franklin's promotion was made by Youbet CEO Charles Champion. In his new position, Franklin will have day-to-day responsibility for all aspects of Youbet's online business including regional operations, track relations, product development, player development, marketing, and administration. His appointment is effective immediately."With 30 years in this business, no one in our industry has a deeper understanding of the online wagering channel and its ability to serve the needs of customers and track partners than Jeff Franklin," said Champion. "During the 10 years he has headed our product development and player services teams, Jeff has driven the evolution of our online programs and played a key role in establishing Youbet as the leading online wagering provider in the horse racing business."
Franklin joined Youbet in 1995 with 20 years of experience in the racing industry as an owner and horsemen, a jockey's agent, and a manager of national racing stables. From 1982 to 1995, Franklin was a jockey's agent and stable manager, winning numerous riding titles for clients including Gary Stevens, Pat Valenzuela, and Jose Santos. He and Stevens teamed to win the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) in 1988 with Winning Colors and added four Breeders' Cup victories thereafter. He also acted as manager for Allen Paulson's Brookside Farms. Franklin attended the University of Southern California, where he studied petroleum engineering and production before embarking on a career with independent oil production companies.
