The Data-Driven Mind Behind Matchbook’s Growth

A sit down with Matchbook Betting Exchange CMO, David Schwartz

Author

Carlo Palomino
March 07, 2025

Welcome back to The Friday Fortune! We’ve officially survived the longest short month of the year—congrats to everyone who still thinks February has 30 days. March is here, and with it comes the annual confusion of “Is it still winter, or is this t-shirt weather now?” One thing’s for sure: marketing season never hibernates, and we’ve got some fresh insights to keep your campaigns sharp and your creativity flowing.

Each week, we bring you insights from top CMOs, brand disruptors, and the kind of marketing minds that turn big ideas into even bigger results. From standout campaigns to behind-the-scenes strategy, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s what’s on deck this week:

  • A sit-down with Matchbook Betting Exchange CMO, David Schwartz

  • Queen Bey in Levi’s latest campaign

  • Why fortune cookie ads crush it for gaming companies

📈 Marketer of the Week

If there’s anyone who understands the intersection of data, technology, and marketing, it’s David Schwartz, the CMO of Matchbook Betting Exchange. With a career spanning fintech, analytics, and global expansion, David has built billion-dollar businesses across the U.S. and Europe.

From launching co-branded credit card programs with JPMorgan Chase to scaling Coupons.com’s consumer business, David has mastered the art of performance marketing. At Matchbook, he has successfully expanded operations into Brazil and Mexico, launched strategic co-brand partnerships, and driven massive revenue growth—all while reducing customer acquisition costs.

For David, marketing is both a science and an art. He believes that rigorous data analysis is key to brand-building and that strong storytelling is just as crucial. His approach combines analytical precision with creative execution, ensuring that campaigns are both effective and memorable. At Coupons.com, he led the development of TV commercials that resonated with audiences, demonstrating his ability to merge data-driven insights with bold marketing moves.

Now at Matchbook, David is focused on refining the company’s marketing machine through automation, segmentation, and strategic innovation. “The two most difficult questions to answer in digital marketing are one, how did we do yesterday, and two, what do we do about that today?” he explained. He emphasizes the importance of modeling every step of the process before execution, allowing for quick adjustments and rapid learning. His strategy is simple: set objectives early, analyze results quickly, and adapt as needed.

Beyond his work, David is passionate about music and sailing. A dedicated audiophile, he prefers to curate his own music collection rather than rely on streaming services, purchasing around 100 albums a year. Sailing, for him, is a form of meditation—an opportunity to disconnect and focus on the present moment. These interests reflect his broader philosophy: a commitment to precision, curiosity, and continuous learning.

David’s Takeaway

“There are two types of CMOs. The ones who wear cool shirts and the ones who live in spreadsheets… I’m a stats guy,” said David. However, he also understands that brand identity and emotional connection are just as vital. His success comes from balancing both worlds—leveraging data while crafting narratives that resonate.

To hear more about how David is shaping the future of Matchbook and redefining performance marketing, listen to the full episode of CMO Weekly.

Crack open a handful of the week’s best marketing links—because good fortune favors the curious.

That’s a wrap for this week’s Friday fortune.

If you enjoyed the read, pass it along to your favorite marketer who could use a little extra inspo in their inbox.

Until next time, may your marketing be memorable and your cookies always be fortunate!

— The OpenFortune team