With comings and goings commonplace across the industry, Xpoint, Catena Media and Microgaming are among those to have bolstered their teams with key hires.
Xpoint
Xpoint has appointed Manu Gambhir as Chief Executive Officer with former CEO Co-Founder Marvin Sanderson moving to focus on the company’s business development.
Gambhir brings over 20 years of US gaming experience to the role having previously served as the CEO of Thrive Gaming and the President of Enterprise Software at Games 24×7.
“Manu is the ideal leader to guide Xpoint in the next stage of its journey from scrappy disrupter to a trusted industry leader, and we are excited to welcome him aboard,” noted Xpoint Director David VanEgmond of Bettor Capital.
“His deep understanding, experience and relationships across the real-money gaming market will accelerate the rapid growth and traction Xpoint has experienced in the past year.”
“I am committed to growing Xpoint into a leading geolocation provider for real-money gaming and other regulated industries that need this technology,” added Gambhir.
“I look forward to working with Marvin and the entire Xpoint team to bring an innovative and extremely reliable solution to real-money gaming operators. As we look out to the near future, we see tremendous potential to harness location data to provide AI-driven insights that will allow our clients to better understand their customers to drive engagement and retention.”
Catena Media
Catena Media has named Erik Edeen as interim CFO, bringing with him over 16 years of financial management experience in private and public companies.
Edeen has also previously served as interim CFO for the company between 2019 and 2020. He will succeed Peter Messner, who announced his departure in February and will be leaving in early June following a handover period.
CEO Michael Daly commented: “I’m excited to welcome Erik as our interim CFO. His long professional career and past experience of Catena Media will make him a valuable member of the executive management team.”
Microgaming
Stephen Fisk has been named the CEO of Microgaming, replacing Andrew Clucas.
Fisk has worked up through the ranks at Microgaming, joining the company over six years ago as Director of Sportsbook before taking on the role of Chief Operations Officer.
Throughout his 24-year career, Fisk has held senior positions at several global gaming companies.
Commenting on his new role, Fisk said: “I am thrilled to be made Chief Executive Officer of Microgaming, one of the most established, trusted and successful organisations in the global online gambling industry.
“Our technology is cutting edge, our experience second to none and we absolutely have the best team in the business. This provides a strong foundation from which we can continue to drive forwards and achieve even greater things for Microgaming and our customers.
“Andrew’s strong strategic steer has been crucial to the company’s ongoing success, and I thank him for his invaluable contributions. He has embedded a culture of change, all the while maintaining a sense of unity and integrity at Microgaming – which I intend to carry forward.”
Affinity Interactive
Affinity Interactive has added Halise Ekmen Uysal to its executive team as Chief Financial Officer.
Ekmen Uysal brings to the role over 20 years of finance and accounting leadership experience, from property-level management to the C-suite.
She most recently worked as Chief Finance, Strategy and Transformation Officer for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, which included the Chumash Casino Resort and its other diverse investments. She has also spent 12 years with Caesars Entertainment in various finance roles.
“Halise is an accomplished finance executive across the gaming and hospitality industries, and we are excited to welcome her to AI as our new CFO,” commented Andrei Scrivens, CEO of Affinity Interactive.
“Her track record of driving sustainable financial results while building high-performing, diverse teams will benefit all of AI’s businesses and help us execute on our strategic priorities.”
Ekmen Uysal added: “Affinity Interactive is at the forefront of gaming innovation with a unique portfolio of technology, digital and media assets, and I look forward to joining the talented and hard-working team.
“Together with Andrei, Jim and the rest of the leadership team, I’m excited to execute on the Company’s compelling growth opportunities and contribute to its continued success as a gaming leader.”
Blixx Gaming
Patrick Jonker has been appointed CEO of Blixx Gaming, an online casino business and part of the HappyHour.io portfolio.
Bringing over nine years of igaming experience, Jonker was previously the CEO or Managing Director of several global gaming companies including Betsson Group, Mr Green and Hero Gaming.
As CEO, Jonker will lead Blixx Gaming’s expansion plans into new markets and help the brand cement its position in the igaming industry.
Commenting on his new role, Jonker said: “I’m thrilled to join Blixx Gaming and work alongside its talented team. I look forward to continuing the company’s success and contributing my experience to lead it into the next phase of growth.”
Better Change
Better Change has named Rob Mabbett as its new Engagement Director as the firm partners with his former employer, Gordon Moody.
Mabbett joins Better Change after being Gordon Moody’s Director of External Engagement for the past three years. He has also previously been a Group Sales Manager for Betfred.
“The past five years at Gordon Moody have been nothing short of incredible and I am delighted to be leaving them in a hugely strong position and wish them nothing but the very best as I look to focus my efforts slightly further upstream with Better Change,” commented Mabbett.
“The opportunity to still be able to continue working in the sector alongside Gordon Moody, while spreading my wings and joining an organisation who have managed to disrupt the industry with professionalism, innovation and a fresh perspective, is an exciting challenge.
“I’m very excited to get stuck in and to be a part of the next chapter in the Better Change story.”
