With comings and goings commonplace across the industry, Kindred, Entain, 888 and Pinnacle are among those to have bolstered their teams with key hires.
Pinnacle
Paris Smith has announced that she brought down the curtain on her time as Chief Executive of Pinnacle, which brings an end to a 17-year tenure.
Posting a LinkedIn update, Smith informed that she would be “stepping away from the intense day-to-day requirements of the CEO role to transition into an advisory role with Pinnacle.”
It was also disclosed that she would now focus on working on new opportunities and strategic projects with Pinnacle’s lead investor and Chair Magnus Hedman.
Reflecting on her leadership term, Smith stated: “Throughout my time at Pinnacle, the company has grown in both scope and size, often seeing opportunities to be a market leader. My passion for the industry and the people in the industry will never leave me.
“I hope I have created a lasting legacy in my time as Pinnacle’s CEO, as I have always said it is an honour to have the privilege to lead such an incredible brand and organization. The confidence that has been given to me is greatly appreciated”.
Playtech
Playtech has appointed Ruby Yam as an Independent Non-Executive Director with effect from June 1, 2023.
She will bring more than 30 years of corporate and banking experience across industries including infrastructure, utilities, pharmaceuticals and racing to the position.
Furthermore, the company has also informed that John Krumins has stressed a desire to step down from the board, but will remain as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee until after the publication of September’s 2023 interim results.
Brian Mattingley, Non-Executive Chair, said: “I am delighted that Ruby has agreed to join the board. She has extensive experience at leading financial and investment groups, as well as bringing considerable knowledge of Asia built up over many years.”
“On behalf of the board, I’d like to express our thanks to John for his valuable contribution since being appointed in 2019. He has shown commitment and dedication during a period of significant change for the company, which recently culminated in a record set of results. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
888
Ben Hurst has been confirmed as Vice President of North American Expansion by 888, where he will oversee strategic growth opportunities as well as the SI Sportsbook and SI Casino brands, as part of a US partnership with Authentic Brands Group.
Has has previously served as the Head of Digital for Madison Square Garden Entertainment Group, where he led transformation projects for the franchises of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, MSG, Radio City, The Beacon Theatre and other venues.
Howard Mittman, 888’s North American President, noted: “We are thrilled to welcome Ben to our US team in his new role as VP. Over the past year or so, I had the pleasure of working with him in a consulting capacity, and I am fully convinced that his industry expertise and familiarity with our company make him an ideal leader to further propel our US operations into the future.”
Hard Rock
Ragheb Dajani has been appointed as Senior Vice President of Development at Hard Rock International, where he will report to Chief Design and Development Officer Joe Emanuele.
He assumes the position with more than 30 years of experience, with his most recent role being that of Head of Planning for Galaxy Entertainment Group in Tokyo, Japan where he established a development operation to pursue a licence to develop and operate a multi-billion-dollar integrated resort.
“We’re thrilled to have Raj join our Real Estate Development team as we continue to further cement the Hard Rock brand as a pillar in the global luxury hospitality space,” said Emanuele.
“His extensive experience in bringing top-of-the-line luxury integrated resort concepts to life makes Raj an invaluable addition to the Hard Rock team.”
Kindred Group announced that Johan Wilsby will leave his position as Chief Financial Officer later this year.
An executive search process has been initiated to find the successor of Wilsby who has served as CFO of the Stockholm-listed online gambling group since September 2020.
A statement issued by the company thanked Wilsby for being a “very appreciated colleague” that has “shown leadership and integrity during challenging times”.
Entain
Robert Hoskin will vacate his position as Entain Chief Governance Officer after nearly two decades with the company, the betting and gaming group confirmed.
He will step down from the board on June 30, 2023, but will continue to serve in an unnamed capacity until August 31. His responsibilities will be assumed by Simon Zinger, the group’s General Counsel.
Butler National
Butler National has confirmed that Christopher Reedy has been promoted from his current position of Chief Operating Officer to President and Chief Executive Officer.
The group, which manages Boot Hill Casino & Resort, has charged Reedy, who has a two decade association alongside the group, with continuing to guide the company’s strategic vision and growth.
“I believe that Chris Reedy is the right person to lead the company through a period of change. His proven, complementary experience and skills in both aviation and gaming establish him as the perfect fit for the role of Butler National President and CEO,” commented R. Warren Wagoner, Chair of the Butler National Board of Directors.
“I am confident that Mr Reedy will leverage his twenty-plus years of Butler National experience to lead the company in the best interest of shareholders and as a valuable resource for the corporation.”
