AI Summary
Sign in to listen

ReferOn completes management buyout as Alex Bukin takes CEO role

Alex Bukin steps up as CEO following the completion of a management buyout at ReferOn, marking a new phase of independent growth for the business.

2 min read
Bukin
Key Points
ReferOn has completed a management buyout led by former GM Alex Bukin
Bukin will now serve as CEO as the platform enters a new phase of growth
The company says operations and existing partnerships will continue unchanged

Affiliate management platform ReferOn has completed a management buyout, with former General Manager Alex Bukin acquiring the platform and assuming the position of CEO. 

The transaction marks a significant structural shift for the iGaming-focused technology company, which launched three years ago.

Bukin described the move as the beginning of a new chapter, adding that the buyout provides the long-term focus required to drive continued platform development and support growth across key markets.

The transition comes on the back of a notably active period for ReferOn. Since launching, the platform recorded 35.7 million clicks, 2.4 million registrations, 18,000 affiliates and 136,000 active trackers within its first 12 months alone. 

ReferOn has stated that existing partnerships and day-to-day operations will be unaffected by the ownership change. 

The leadership team remains in place, with two notable promotions accompanying Bukin's appointment: Vlad Bondarenko has moved from Head of Product to Chief Product Officer, and David Harris has been elevated from Operations Lead to Chief Operations Officer.

Commenting on the development, Bukin noted: “This is an important moment for ReferOn and the beginning of a new chapter for the business. The management buyout provides us with the long-term focus required to continually advance the platform. 

“We remain committed to product development, strengthening our offerings for partners and supporting ReferOn’s continued growth across key markets.”

On the product side, the company continues to expand its feature set, including the rollout of Refie, described as a built-in interface layer. 

The platform's existing tools encompass dynamic reporting, Sub-Affiliation, Independent Deal Calculation, two-factor authentication and mobile optimisation.

For further insight into the strategic direction ReferOn may pursue under its new structure, Bondarenko – now Chief Product Officer – previously spoke in depth on the Huddle about how AI is reshaping affiliate management through transparency, automation and advanced data tools.

Good to know

ReferOn reported 35.7 million clicks and 2.4 million registrations within its first 12 months of operation

Reaction Board

Set Global Gaming Insider to be your preferred search result

News Analysis

View All
Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan opens SBC Summit Lisbon alongside DraftKings and Sportradar CEOs

Michael Jordan, Jason Robins and Carsten Koerl opened the show discussing the evolution of fan engagement, the role of betting and technology, prediction markets and the growing pressure on modern athletes.

5 min read • • By Milagros del Priore
Andrew Burke

Global Gaming Awards: What Andrew Burke's executive victory represents for Bluberi

Just under six years in the top job at Bluberi has culminated in a memorable achievement for Andrew Burke, who was honored as the Global Gaming Awards Executive of the Year at the 2026 Americas ceremony.

5 min read • • By Will Underwood
A slap in the face - Industry reacts

“A slap in the face” – Gambling industry reacts to Brazil ban

From regulatory experts to CEOs, the sector’s verdict is in: President Lula's ban on online gambling and sports betting will create a litany of problems for the country.

4 min read • • By Patrick Fasolis

In The News

View All
G2E predictions regulation
[SIGNIFICANT IMPORTANCE]

G2E: NGCB, MGM Resorts discuss ‘critical’ enforcement of prediction market operators

NGCB Chairman Mike Dreitzer and MGM Resorts SVP & Chief Compliance Officer Stephen Martino took part in the panel, comparing regulation across sports betting, iGaming and prediction markets.

· Legal & Regulatory + 6