Bragg Gaming Group

Richard Carter has formally taken up occupation of the role of CEO of Bragg Gaming Group, a position it was confirmed that the former CEO of SBTech was to step into in March.

The company says that the move is made at “a key point” in its growth and evolution, with an aggressive global growth strategy underway, including expansion into the burgeoning North American igaming market and an anticipated launch on the Nasdaq exchange.

I’m excited to be leading Bragg in its next phase of growth and helping to shape the future of the company, as we continue to provide next generation premium content and tools to our B2B partners,” said Carter.

“Bragg has the cutting-edge technology, the data driven insights, the player engagement tools and the premium content that ideally positions the company to capture an increasing proportion of global igaming market.

“I’m eager to leverage these strengths to expand Bragg in both our core European markets and in the rapidly growing North American igaming market.”

Gaming1

Gaming and sports betting operator Gaming1 has appointed Ricardo Viana to its newly created role of chief creative officer, where he will build upon 25 years of industry experience.

Viana will take charge of the design, distribution and marketing of the group’s game collection, streamlining the development process for its more than 120 slots, dice and table games.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ricardo on board, and have every confidence that his appointment will prove pivotal to the continued popularity generated by our ever-growing games offering,” commented Sylvain Boniver, COO and co-founder at Gaming1.

“Our in-house portfolio of premium casino titles has gone from strength to strength in recent months, and Ricardo will undoubtedly play a key role in helping it to expand and improve even further.”

International Game Technology

Walter Bugno has resigned his position as executive vice president of new business and strategic initiatives of International Gaming Technology.

Following the departure, IGT new business responsibilities will be divided among the global lottery and global gaming business units. Responsibilities for strategic initiatives will be assumed by the IGT strategy and corporate development support function.

The group says that the decision has been made in order to “pursue a new professional opportunity,” with Bugno to continue in his current position until May 14, 2021.

“I would like to thank Walter for his accomplishments over the course of more than 10 years of senior leadership at IGT. His efforts have made meaningful contributions to the strength of our global leadership,” noted IGT CEO Marco Sala.

“At every stage of his time with IGT, Walter successfully engaged teams across multiple regions, built significant customer relationships, fostered continued talent development and championed innovation throughout his organisation. On behalf of everyone at IGT, I wish Walter well in his future endeavours.”

Avala Casino

Lauded as ‘Montenegro’s largest casino,” Avala Casino has announced the appointment of Neil Gallacher as CEO as part of the acquisition by Global Gaming Holdings.

Gallacher, an experienced international gaming executive having managed casinos in Europe, Africa and Asia, is also the former vice president of Jeju Shinwa World and joins the Avala Casino team from Les Ambassadeurs, London.

“I look forward to this new role and driving tourism to both Avala Casino and Montenegro as a whole, I am excited to expand our entertainment offerings – launching our new sports bar and high roller poker tournaments alongside avala.bet – our new online sportsbook and casino,” Gallacher stated.

PointsBet

PointsBet has appointed veteran communications and public affairs executive Patrick Sandusky as senior vice president of communications.

In the newly created role, he will lead all external communications and media relations for PointsBet and report to PointsBet USA CEO Johnny Aitken, while being based in the firm’s East Coast offices.

On his appointment, Sandusky said: “I am excited to join a growing company that is not only an industry leader in the sports betting space, but also at the forefront of sports and technology.

“The future of fan engagement will be built around sports wagering, and PointsBet – along with leading partners like NBC Sports – will change the dynamic on how sports fans interact with their favourite teams and leagues.

“I look forward to utilising the strong foundation in place and helping shape strategy and vision to find success in the burgeoning, competitive space that is US sports betting.”

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EveryMatrix

Staffan Cnattingius has been appointed by EveryMatrix as director of business development for Latin America markets, where he will oversee the company’s expansion in the region, and manage commercial efforts as a part of the global sales team.

Having spent over two decades in the gambling industry serving in managerial roles in both online and land-based casino operations, he joins EveryMatrix after successful tenures at Play’n GO, Copacabana Gaming, and QTech, among others.

Erik Nyman, president of the Americas at EveryMatrix, commented: “I am excited to have Staffan joining our Americas team. He comes with unique experience, in-depth product knowledge, relationships and not least an impressive track record of success in Latin America.

“His professional experience will enable EveryMatrix’s goal of becoming the leading turnkey provider in the region. Staffan is the right man for the job, and I wish him welcome aboard.”

Rivers Casino Philadelphia

Rush Street Gaming announced today that Justin Moore, former general manager of Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady, has been named general manager of Rivers Casino Philadelphia, pending approval from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

Moore joined Rivers in Schenectady soon after the property opened in 2017, and is lauded as helping to establish the brand in a new and competitive market, operating The Landing Hotel, and debuting New York’s first sportsbook.

“Rush Street’s accelerated growth in destination and online gaming has created more opportunities for career development inside the company,” stated Greg Carlin, CEO of Rush Street Gaming and Rivers Casino. “After a successful four-year term in upstate New York, we’re very pleased to welcome Justin to Philly.”

Sightline Payments

Sightline Payments, the financial technology supplier to the sports betting, lottery and gaming sectors, has appointed five new executives to its senior leadership team.

John Gronen joins as chief financial officer, while Jennifer Carleton will serve as the  company’s chief legal officer. Through its recent $100m funding round, the firm has also appointed Muriel Lotto as chief marketing officer, while Katrina Sevier will serve as its chief people officer and Felicia Gassen will be chief of staff.

The executive appointments, said Sightline, strengthen its leadership as the company scales to support rapid growth and customer demand.

Joe Pappano, CEO of Sightline, explained: “We are pleased to welcome John, Jennifer, Muriel, Felicia and Katrina to Sightline Payments. The collective expertise and proven track record that they bring from working with some of the world’s most recognized companies will play an instrumental role in managing the company’s hyper-growth and expansion.

“In the near and long-term, we plan to invest significant capital in recruiting diverse and expert talent to drive key Sightline priorities around market growth and innovation. Our goal is to have the most talented and diverse team in the gaming and payments industries.”

Rush Street Interactive

Rush Street Interactive has announced the appointment of Lauren Seiler as associate vice president of investor relations and development. Seiler brings to RSI over 17 years of diversified Wall Street experience, with 12 of those years being gaming-centric.

In the newly created role, she will lead RSI’s investor relations efforts, while also working with the team to drive the company’s growth, development and M&A initiatives.

“Lauren brings a strong network of relationships and experience with both the sell-side and buy-side communities and a deep knowledge of the capital markets,” Kyle Sauers, CFO of RSI, said. “Her financial and strategic skills will be a great asset as we continue to grow RSI as a leader in online gaming.”

Sportradar

Sports betting and entertainment firm Sportradar has appointed Deirdre M Bigley to the Sportradar Holding AG board of directors, with immediate effect.

Having held the post of chief marketing officer of Bloomberg since 2014, Bigley has been responsible for designing and launching the firm’s first global marketing department and building marketing strategies for all business units across the company.

Carsten Koerl, Sportradar Group CEO, added: “We’re thrilled that Deirdre is joining our Global board of directors as we draw upon her vast experience leading marketing strategies for some of the world’s most well-known technology companies. We are pleased to leverage Deirdre’s data and analytics insights as Sportradar drives innovative solutions that support the success of our customers.”

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UK Gambling Commission

John Baillie and Catharine Seddon have been reappointed by Oliver Dowden, secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport, as commissioners of the Gambling Commission for one year from April 11, 2021 to April 10, 2022.

Baillie is a chartered accountant and a former partner of KPMG in Scotland and London. He is immediate past chair of the Accounts Commission for Scotland, the Scottish local authority watchdog and served two three-year terms.

Seddon spent 20 years as a film-maker before taking up public non-executive roles. She now sits on the Legal Services Board, where she chairs its audit and risk assurance committee and has recently joined the board of the HFEA. She is a founding member of the Health Service Products Appeal tribunal and is also a trustee for special needs charity, CPotential.

Soft2Bet

Casino and sportsbook platform provider Soft2Bet has appointed Hamza Afifi, the former head of sales for the SiGMA Group, as its PR director.

Afifi will play a key role in the promotion of the firm’s over 30 strong portfolio of operator brands, including recent launches such as the gamified sportsbook Betinia and the cabaret-inspired casino Winota.

Boris Chaikin Soft2Bet CEO, said: “A warm welcome to Hamza Afifi, who we are thrilled to name as our new PR director. Having enjoyed tremendous success at a range of highly regarded companies in our industry and beyond, Hamza will apply his impressive skills and experience to the promotion of our award-winning offering, and we are delighted to have him on board.”

Epic Risk Management

Michael Huber has joined Epic Risk Management as an advisory on US operations, enhancing the company’s responsible gambling activities in the country.

The new advisor’s primary responsibilities will see him discuss his lifelong struggle with problem gambling, beginning in his adolescence and ending in 2012, bolstering the company’s ‘lived experience’ knowledge base.

Since overcoming his gambling addiction, Huber has gone on to establish a mental performance coaching and mentoring business. He will join the team overseeing Epic’s burgeoning US operations during Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

“Michael is a very impressive and inspirational mentor and coach,” explained John Millington, vice president of US operations at Epic Risk Management.

“Epic Risk Management is a company that is built on the lived experience of gambling addiction and this underpins everything that we do in the space of harm prevention.

“Our educational programmes and training content use real-life, hard-hitting stories of gambling-harm to educate and raise awareness of the significant risk that problem-gambling creates.

“Michael will leverage his authenticity and own experience of gambling-addiction during his collegiate years and connect it with his subsequent work with high school and college athletes to help convey these vital messages in a powerful and informed way.

“Ultimately, at Epic we want to make as many at-risk groups as possible aware of the potentially destructive financial implications and health issues that out-of-control gambling can cause. To have someone of Michael’s stature, background, and own lived experience bringing this message to life, will only enhance the work that we passionately believe saves lives.”

Gamesys Group

Online gaming operator Gamesys has announced that Tina Southall, chief people officer, will join the group’s board of directors as an executive director with effect.

The company says that the appointment of Southall, who joined the company in March 2014 to establish and lead a new people team, signals further recognition of its “commitment and priority” to all colleagues.

“I am delighted to welcome Tina to the Gamesys board. She has been at the heart of establishing the Gamesys values, our ‘DNA’ and a highly successful new way of working for the company during the current pandemic,” noted Neil Goulden, non-executive chair at Gamesys Group.

“I am confident that Tina will continue to evolve our culture as we face the future, bringing valuable insight and new perspectives to the Board.”

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Soft2Bet

Peter Christian Noer has been appointed as the regional manager for the Nordic markets at casino and sportsbook platform provider Soft2Bet.

The appointment follows what is praised as “an impressive spell” as the company’s country manager for Sweden, with new responsibilities to include helping Soft2Bet continue to grow its footprint in the key territories of Sweden, Norway and Finland. 

Boris Chaikin, CEO at Soft2Bet, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Peter Christian Noer as our regional manager for the Nordic markets, which remain a key area of focus for us as we maintain the expansion of our international reach.

“Having performed impressively as our country manager for Sweden, we have no doubt that Peter will continue to play a key role in helping us succeed in the Nordic territories and beyond.”

Galaxy Gaming

Galaxy Gaming, the developer and distributor of casino table games and technology, has announced that Paul Omohundro has joined the company in the position of vice president of business development.

In the position, Omohundro will be responsible for expanding the company’s business through exploring new markets and discovering innovative products and services to further provide value to casino clients.

Todd Cravens, Galaxy Gaming president and CEO, noted: “Paul’s addition to our team will focus on new markets and new products. These new markets include land-based casinos as well as igaming, the fastest growing part of our business. We have a number of new product and market opportunities, and Paul will drive these to commercial success.”

MGA Games

MGA Games has announced the addition of four new members to its staff roster, each of which is charged with aiding the company its growth and developmental strategies.

The additions come from the MGA Games Academy, which the online casino developer says “was born to promote and attract talent to the gaming sector and is meeting all expectations”.

Joan Sanahuja, founder and CEO of MGA Games, stated: “We continue to grow in every way. We are expanding into new markets, creating new products, and also recruiting more staff.

“We are proud to think that we have the opportunity to employ, empower and retain talent, undoubtedly a valuable resource and one of the main assets of our company.

Salsa Technology

Josh Tromans-Jones has been recruited by Salsa Technology as chief technology officer, where he will be charged with building on the business’ expansion drive.

Key responsibilities for the company will focus on continuing the development of the proprietary platform, delivering the roadmap and leading the business’ expansion into regulated markets from a technology perspective. Tromans-Jones will be based in Spain.

Peter Nolte, Salsa Technology’s CEO, commented: “Josh is a superb addition to our Salsa team as he brings a wealth of experience of various regulated markets, both inside of Europe and out.

“He will play a vital role in maintaining our position as an industry leader and delivering on our roadmap. It is vital that we continue to have the technology to meet these changing requirements of the industry quickly and efficiently.”

Better Collective

Better Collective has strengthened its team after naming Anders Crillesen as its new head of PR & communications.

In his new role, he will take responsibility for overseeing the company’s global corporate and product communication strategy, with an aim of enhancing Better Collective’s communication initiatives toward responsible gambling.

Crillesen said: “I’m thrilled to join Better Collective and become part of its innovative company culture. Better Collective has been on a fantastic journey since the company was founded in 2004 and is strongly positioned globally following a targeted acquisition and internationalisation strategy.

“I look forward to leveraging my PR and corporate communications experience in an entirely new context, to support Better Collective’s continued growth and build visibility around its responsible gambling initiatives.”

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mkodo

Ross Haselhurst has joined mkodo as digital delivery director, where he will gain accountability for product delivery and ensuring projects and processes are matured to drive high-quality results for clients.

The newly created role, based at mkodo’s Newcastle upon Tyne office, will also see Haselhurst gain responsibility for the project management team and quality assurance. 

Haselhurst joins mkodo’s executive team from gaming platform provider Bede Gaming where he held the role of head of platform before being promoted to commercial director and part of the executive management. 

Haselhurst said: “It is a fantastic opportunity for me to join mkodo and the Pollard family and to be working across several key projects to help grow and mature the business. 

“mkodo has a fantastic client base and I look forward to bringing premium digital products and player engagement solutions to our partners. The market is still ripe for innovation and mkodo is in a great place to offer operators and their players that.”  

Great Canadian Corporation

Rod Baker has resigned as director, president, and CEO of Great Canadian Corporation with immediate effect, with Terrance Doyle, president of strategic growth and chief compliance officer, appointed by the company’s board of directors on an interim basis from January 24, 2021.

“Mr Doyle, with his 20 years of experience with the company and working with key stakeholders and the board, is well equipped to assume the duties as interim chief executive officer until a permanent replacement has been named,” stated Peter Meredith, Great Canadian’s chairman.

Furthermore, the company has confirmed the appointed of Sukvinder Singh as chief compliance officer, gaining responsibility for the group’s overall compliance regime and overseeing compliance, risk, security and surveillance functions.

FSB

Online casino and sports betting tech provider FSB has recruited Keith Laidlaw to assist with the company’s IT and technology strategy as it continues to drive growth in international markets, and prepares for an increased presence in the US.

Laidlaw will work alongside FSB’s IT and technical teams, which are headed by chief technology officer Sam Lawrence, and will share his knowledge and experience to allow the company to structure its strategy.

Dave McDowell, CEO of FSB, noted: “Keith is another great addition to our ever-increasing pool of talent at FSB. His knowledge and experience of IT and technology within the gambling sector is immense.

“He will work alongside our co-founder and CTO Sam Lawrence to fine-tune our strategy so that we can ultimately deliver the best products and services to our clients.”

PointsBet

Sportsbook operator PointsBet has teamed-up with digital media personality Paige Spiranac, who will contribute as the new, global lead on-air talent and a brand ambassador for PointsBet as the company continues its expansion across US sports betting.

As part of the long-term alignment, Spiranac will also become a significant PointsBet shareholder, taking an equity stake in the company.

“Today is a very exciting day for the company as we welcome Paige, the No. 1 most followed and interacted with golf personality on social media in the world, into the PointsBet family,” said Johnny Aitken, US CEO of PointsBet.

“Paige is known for her work ethic and ability to stand out in a sea of sameness, which very much embodies the DNA of PointsBet and our mandate to deliver the fastest and most differentiated way to wager in the legal sports betting market.

“We will look to deeply integrate Paige across our portfolio of brand channels, including linear and digital content, whilst unlocking unique ways to weave PointsBet into her social media universe as she strives to conquer sports betting and introduce it to her audience.”

Gambling.com Group

Johannes Bergh has joined Gambling.com Group as chief strategy office to help maintain the organisation’s pace of growth throughout 2021 and beyond.

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Live 5 

Staffordshire-based slot developer Live 5 has promoted Oliver Vlaytchev to director of operations, as the studio continues to build out its senior management team.

After initially joining the firm in 2017 as a software games developer and coordinator, Vlaytchev has moved through the ranks to the new role where he will be responsible for a range of business-critical tasks.

This includes managing the day to day activities of all departments within the company, ensuring seamless communication between departments, project planning and managing, overseeing the product roadmap and working with third parties.

Lloyd Butler, CEO of Live 5, said: “Oliver has proved to be a highly valuable member of the team and his promotion to director of operations reflects the positive impact he has had on the business since first joining our ranks in 2017.

“Live 5 has been on a tremendous growth trajectory over the past 18 months and Oliver has played a key role in this. In his new position, he will continue to manage day to day activities across our departments while playing an even greater role in the strategic development of Live 5.”

Penn National Gaming

Marla Kaplowitz has been appointed to the board of directors at Penn National Gaming, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

The appointment will expand the size of the board to eight members, six of whom satisfy the standards for director independence under the current Listing Rules of the NASDAQ stock market.

Kaplowitz is president and CEO of the American Association of Advertising Agencies, a trade association serving more than 600 member agencies across 1,200 offices throughout the US, who are responsible for more than 85 per cent of total domestic advertising spend.

David Handler, chairman of PNG, noted: “Marla is an innovator and a proven leader in marketing and digital transformation, which will serve us well as Penn National continues its evolution into the nation’s leading omnichannel provider of retail and interactive gaming, sports betting and entertainment. We’re delighted to have her unique talents on the board.”

FSB

Sports betting and igaming tech provider FSB has named US retail and online gambling veteran Bob Akeret as vice president of operations in North America, as the company gets ready to launch into the market.

Based in New Jersey, he will be responsible for fine-tuning the provider’s cutting-edge product and service offering for the market, including assisting FSB’s business development team in localising its retail and online sportsbook technologies.

He will also build relationships with third parties such as payment providers and data suppliers in the US, as well as identify new business opportunities. Akeret will report directly to FSB COO Glenn Elliott.

Dave McDowell, CEO of FSB, commented: “Bob is one of the most experienced retail and online gambling executives in North America and I am delighted to welcome him to the team. Securing Bob is a real coup for FSB as we prepare to enter the North American market with our leading technology.

“We see huge potential for our products and services as the US market continues to roll out and with Bob on board, we will be able to make sure our technologies meet the exact needs of operators and players across North America.”

British Horseracing Authority

The former racecourse stewards’ panel chair and experienced racing industry figure David Jones has been appointed to the board of the British Horseracing Authority, in the role of regulatory independent non-executive director.

Jones’ tenure begins from January 1, and he takes over from Andrew Merriam who has served three terms on the BHA Board since 2012 and has been involved in a number of major regulatory projects during that time.

Annamarie Phelps, chair of the BHA, stated: “We are delighted to welcome David to the BHA Board. He brings with him substantial insight and enthusiasm for the racing industry, which has been exhibited through his invaluable contribution to a number of recent industry projects, and his time as a well-respected member of our stewarding team.

“Our sincere thanks go to Andrew Merriam for his immense service to the BHA Board across many areas and committees, and his continued service to the sport of racing. It would be hard to find a better liked or more respected individual and his contribution to the racing industry during his three terms at the BHA has been significant indeed.”

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Greentube

Greentube has promoted Steven Batchelor-Manning to the role of director of games technology, as the Novomatic interactive division aims to unveil a “transformative igaming platform”.

Having previously occupied numerous roles with the company during the course of the last eight years, including his most recent role as lead architect, Batchelor-Manning is lauded as playing a key role in the development of the company’s brand new RGS platform.

In his new appointment, he will lead on the delivery of technology which will allow the supplier to bolster its product catalogue with market-leading features.

Michael Bauer, Greentube CFO/CGO, said: “Steven’s technical vision and ambition to leverage modern technologies is a major asset for Greentube and it’s been fantastic to watch his career advance within our company.

“As we start rolling out our innovative RGS platform in Q1 next year, Steven’s appointment comes at a critical time for our business and he will play a key part in driving the future direction of our games vertical.”

Scientific Games

Scientific Games has appointed Laura Probert as chief people officer for the company’s digital team, where she will gain responsibility for the business unit’s HR function.

Probert joins from global advertising agency WPP, where she was group VP of talent for outcome media company, Xaxis. In the new role, Probert will be reporting to Scientific Games Digital group CEO Jordan Levin and global CHRO Eileen Moore Johnson.

Levin said: “Laura’s extremely experienced in HR management having worked with some of the world’s leading brands and will be a fantastic addition to our team.

“Our people continue to drive the transformation of our technology and products and their well-being has always be one of our key priorities. Laura has exceptional experience in this area and a passion for putting diversity, inclusion and people performance at the heart of business strategy.”

Penn National Gaming

Carl Sottosanti, executive vice president, general counsel and secretary of Penn National Gaming, is to retire at the end of this year, following a “distinguished” 17-year career at the firm.

Sottosanti is praised as having played a critical role in helping drive the company’s growth and evolution from a small regional gaming operator into a country wide omnichannel provider of retail and interactive gaming, sports betting and entertainment.

Subject to customary regulatory approvals, Harper Ko will join the firm as EVP, chief legal officer and secretary, effective January 1, 2021. Ko joins PNG from Everi, where she has served as EVP and chief legal officer – general counsel.

“Throughout his career at Penn National, Carl has been known for his tireless work ethic, dogged determination, and fierce advocacy in support of our company’s interests,” said Jay Snowden, president and CEO.

“Carl has been a trusted personal advisor and a consummate teammate, and while he’ll be leaving behind some big shoes to fill, I’m confident that Harper Ko will do a great job in carrying on the standard of excellence that Carl has established for our legal department.”

Adding: “Harper brings a wealth of expertise regarding the industry’s complex regulatory and compliance requirements that will serve us well as we continue to execute our growth strategies across our land-based, interactive and sports betting platforms. We’re excited to add someone of her calibre to our team.”

Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs Incorporated has announced that after 11 years at the helm of the legendary racetrack, Kevin Flanery has decided to retire as president of Churchill Downs at the end of 2020.

Flanery’s 15-year tenure at CDI began in December 2005 as vice president of national public affairs, with subsequent promotions seeing him named senior vice president of national public affairs and communications in March 2008 before being appointed to the role of thirteenth president of Churchill Downs Racetrack and a SVP of CDI in July 2009.

CDI says that it will immediately begin the search to fill the role of president of Churchill Downs Racetrack. Bill Mudd, president and chief operating officer of CDI, will act as interim president of Churchill Downs Racetrack until a successor is named.

“Kevin has been a pivotal leader in the growth and evolution of Churchill Downs, not only at the racetrack, but across the company,” commented Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI.

“His focus on bold capital investments and unmatched fan experiences has had a direct and enduring impact on the success of the Kentucky Derby and his leadership has navigated Churchill Downs Racetrack through many unexpected challenges, not the least of which has been the unforeseen circumstances of 2020.

“Having worked side by side with Kevin over the last 15 years, I offer sincere gratitude for his friendship and his leadership and we wish him all the best in his retirement. His has been an important and impactful chapter in the history of Churchill Downs Racetrack.”

HeadsUp Entertainment

HeadsUp Entertainment International has announced that Doug Wilson has been named as the company’s president and CEO, joining fellow recent recruit Mark Hutchinson in joining the firm’s management team.

Boasting over three decades of experience operating firms across various technology sectors, Wilson also currently consults to several other business entities, including a land asset firm as well as private equity interests primarily focused on digital media, gaming and charity sectors.

HeadsUp Entertainment says that additional members of the gaming, broadcasting, entertainment, and interactive technology sectors will be announced next as part of the firms new strategic advisory board. Both Wilson and Hutchinson will also be nominated for addition to the board of directors.

“I look forward to the challenge of leading HeadsUp into the new era of digital gaming as the new landscape for North American and global licensing is quickly opening up billion-dollar markets,” stated Wilson.

Condor Gaming

Alexendre Ouknine has been recruited as CTO of Condor Gaming as the firm, which boasts five casino and sportsbook brands as part of its stable, aims to secure the next stage of its strategic expansion.

Ouknine bring over two decades of experience to the role, and his appointment strengthens the company’s tech hubs in Croatia and Bulgaria, as plans emanate of potential expansion across Europe and Asia. India, Japan, CIS and Canada are stipulated as key targets for the group’s expansion.

“I’m honoured to get the chance to start at this stage of Condor gaming’s development. We all intend to bring this company to a technological level unparalleled in the industry. The sky’s the limit,” Ouknine noted.

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YGAM

The Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust has announced the appointment of four student employees to continue its ongoing university engagement programme.

The charity employs students in living wage part-time jobs to deliver awareness campaigns to their contemporaries at university about the risks associated with gaming and gambling.

The new salaried positions are student design manager, student user experience manager, student research manager, and student journalism manager.

These roles will focus their activities on campaigns targeting universities during the coming year, this includes the launch of the new Student Hub website.

Pete Woodward, YGAM’s head of delivery for university and student engagement, stated: “It’s incredibly important for the team at YGAM to have students working with us. They understand the current context of life in higher-education and our organisation reaps the benefits every day of producing resources for students, by students.”

DraftKings

DraftKings has confirmed the appointment of Jocelyn Moore and Valerie Mosley to the company’s board of directors effective immediately.

The pair will fill two newly created on the board, which will now consists of 15 members, and follows the group’s recent announcement that Michael Jordan will serve as a special advisor.

“I am very much looking forward to working closely with both Valerie and Jocelyn as we continue to grow DraftKings,” said Jason Robins, DraftKings co-founder, CEO and chairman of the board. “They each bring a unique skill set that will complement those of our existing members while simultaneously bringing new perspectives and ideas to the table.”

Tropicana Atlantic City

Caesars Entertainment has unveiled Jacqueline Grace as senior vice president and general manager for Tropicana Atlantic City, one of four resorts the company owns and operates in the local gaming market.

The appointment is pending regulatory approval, and will see Grace bring more than 20 years of experience within the financial and gaming industries to the Atlantic City market, most recently having served as vice president and assistant general manager at Caesars’ Horseshoe Baltimore property.

“I started my gaming career in Atlantic City and I’m thrilled to return and join one of the top destinations in the market,” commented Grace. “This is an exciting time for our company, and I’m looking forward to working with the team to further position Tropicana for continued growth and success.

“As I watched our company evolve into the new Caesars Entertainment, I was impressed by the Carano family’s mantra of ‘family-style service’ and their commitment to establishing a workplace culture that emphasises engagement, while empowering team members to deliver exceptional service to our customers. I look forward to continuing this leadership style at Tropicana and I’m excited to work with the exceptional team there.

Soft2Bet

Casino and sportsbook platform provider Soft2Bet has hired Max Portelli as its new chief financial officer, bringing years of experience in accounting and auditing roles.

Portelli began his career with KPMG Malta before becoming the financial reporting accountant for the airline of the Maltese islands. Prior to joining Soft2bet, he spent more than five years working as CFO for payment services provider Entercash.

Boris Chaikin, Soft2Bet CEO, commented:“We are thrilled to name Max Portelli as our new Chief Financial Officer, and have no doubt that he will be a fantastic asset for our company going forward.

“Max’s extensive experience and skills speak for themselves, and on behalf of the entire team I’d like to welcome him warmly into the Soft2Bet family.”

Champion Sports

Champions Sports has named Simon Noble as head of sportsbook product, bringing a wealth of knowledge built up during a 20-year career in roles at Pinnacle Sports, Intertops, Full Tilt Poker and The Workshop

In the role, Noble will be responsible for defining, articulating and executing the product vision to deliver “best in class solutions” with the aim of increasing market share and driving growth.

Mark Robson, CEO of Champions Sports, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Simon to the team and for Champions Sports to leverage his incredible skills and unique understanding of the industry.

“These are challenging and uncertain times for sports betting operators and Simon’s experience will prove vital in helping our partners adapt and capitalise.”

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Scientific Games

US gaming tech firm Scientific Games has confirmed that Michael Eklund will become chief financial officer on June 1, 2020, replacing current CFO Michael Quartieri.

Quartieri will remain full time with the company until June 30, 2020, and will subsequently serve in a consulting role through to December 31, 2020.

Eklund spent more than 20 years at Dell Technologies in both financial and operational roles, including leading the value creation and integration function for the $67bn Dell-EMC combination and serving as CFO of Dell’s $40bn-plus Client Solutions Business Unit and Global Operations organisation.

Barry Cottle, Scientific Games CEO, explained: “Mike Quartieri has done an outstanding job over the last four years building a world class financial team, revitalising our financial management and refinancing our debt. The board of directors and I are very grateful for Mike’s constant dedication to the success of the company and its people.

“Mike now wants to move to a new industry with new challenges after many years in the gaming business. He wanted to leave earlier this year but, after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Mike agreed to stay to help the company with that crisis.

“Mike has led our efforts to reduce our cash burn while preserving key operations, developing plans to manage through the pandemic, preparing to be an even stronger competitor as we emerge from the crisis and working with our lenders to get our credit agreement amended to provide covenant relief. With those key steps taken, we are now ready to proceed with the transition to a new CFO.”

MoneyMatrix

EveryMatrix’s global payments gateway MoneyMatrix has appointed Samoil Dolejan as the company’s new chief executive officer effective immediately.

Dolejan is to be charged with strengthening operational capacity, expanding the entity’s client portfolio, and continuing to increase an ever-growing offering of payments solutions.

As a part of EveryMatrix, MoneyMatrix is based in Malta and is a standalone financial institution regulated by MFSA. MoneyMatrix is currently handling over €100mn in monthly transactions, while successfully catering to over 60 igaming merchants.

Ebbe Groes, Group CEO of EveryMatrix, comments: “I am delighted to have Samoil on board as the CEO of our payments company. Samoil’s experience with EveryMatrix gives him the competitive edge a person in this role needs to understand the operational and financial requirements of clients.

“Over the years, Samoil has become a trusted stakeholder in the company, and I do not doubt that he can keep MoneyMatrix on the path of prosperity and success. He can run the long marathon, not take the easy route, and still achieve his ambitions, which proves he’s the right man for this job.”

Soft2Bet

Casino and sportsbook operator group Soft2Bet has bolstered its operational capabilities after naming Inesa Glazaite as new head of B2B sales, bringing experience from previous senior positions at Omnitel, Sergel Group and most recently NetRefer.

Glazaite’s responsibilities now entail promoting Soft2Bet’s burgeoning B2B offering, featuring products such as Fezbet, a platform boasting 3000 casino games from over 35 providers alongside a variety of sports betting options.

Soft2Bet CEO Boris Chaikin commented on the new hire: “Inesa brings years of impressive commercial experience and an exemplary professional skillset, so we are delighted to welcome her into the Soft2Bet family.

“We have no doubt that Soft2Bet’s cutting-edge B2B portfolio will continue to go from strength to strength under Inesa’s leadership, with a host of exciting launches and major agreements in the pipeline for 2020.”

Quanta

Isle of Man based blockchain lottery operator Quanta has unveiled the appointment of Stelios Michaelides as the group’s new chief compliance officer.

Bringing in excess of 40 years of managerial experience, in which he has ensured optimal financial and business operations across diverse geographies and sectors, Michaelides has been described by his new employers as a strategic thinker that is both internationally-minded and versatile.

Harmen Brenninkmeijer, Quanta’s CEO, stated: “Stelios has sound judgment and ability to identify and resolve complex issues in a dynamic environment. I am confident that he will further Quanta’s ability to successfully navigate the ever-changing business and regulatory landscapes.”

The post Part 27 | On the move: Recruitment round-up appeared first on CasinoBeats.

National Council on Problem Gambling

US advocacy organisation the National Council on Problem Gambling, which provides support for people and families who are affected by problem gambling and gambling addiction, has announced the appointment of a new director for an organisational members seat and the election of a new vice president.

Raquel Buari joins the board to fill the organisational members seat vacated due to the recent resignation of Chelsea Turner, serving for the remainder of the term until July 2022. 

Furthermore, Stacy Shaw, serving in an organisational seat for the Oregon Lottery, has been welcomed as vice president bringing “decades of experience” to the firm.

“NCPG is honored to have leaders like Raquel and Stacy,” said Keith Whyte, executive director of NCPG. “Their perspectives and experiences will be invaluable in helping to guide our organisation through these difficult times.” 

International Game Technology

International Game Technology has confirmed that Dorothy Costa, who previously served as vice president of people and transformation for North America, has been appointed as global head of people and transformation, reporting to Marco Sala effective April 6, 2020. 

In her new role Costa will have strategic oversight for the IGT people and transformation function, including all business unit senior people partners and the total rewards, diversity and inclusion, organisation transformation and global services and talent management centers of excellence.

“I wish to congratulate Dorothy Costa, whom I will be working with closely as she takes on the role of Global Head of People and Transformation and we continue to advance IGT’s leadership by attracting and cultivating our industry’s foremost talent,” stated Marco Sala, IGT CEO. 

“I would like to thank Mario Di Loreto for his successful transformation of IGT Human Resources into the People and Transformation organization, and for implementing a strategic operating model that has greatly benefited our Company and global workforce.”

Digitain

Martin Clarke has joined sportsbook and casino platform provider Digitain as director of product management, overseeing the development strategy for the company.

Lauded a bringing “a wealth of industry experience to his new position”, including senior product roles at Betway, Betsson Group and Flutter Entertainment, it follows a previous role of director of product at B2B sports betting provider Metric Gaming, 

Suren Khachatryan, CCO at Digitain, explained: “With a wealth of experience spanning some of the industry’s most established businesses, we are thrilled to welcome Martin into the Digitain family.

“His unique skills in problem solving, technical development and exemplary leadership are unrivalled, and we have no doubt his tenure as director of product management will bring tremendous success.”

Relax Gaming

Nadiya Attard has joined igaming aggregator and supplier Relax Gaming as director of sales to push forward on the firm’s global expansion strategy and realise new growth opportunities.

Assuming the position last month, Attard brings over 15 years of B2B and B2C online gaming experience to the company, having held several senior positions at NetEnt, Betfair, as well as Parimatch, Marathonbet and Microgaming. 

Daniel Eskola, CCO at Relax Gaming, noted: “Nadiya’s track record for delivering results and going above and beyond targets is admirable. We are thrilled that she is joining the Relax team and are positive that with her ability to develop long-lasting business relationships she will further the company’s success and make a huge contribution to our future growth.”

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