With comings and goings commonplace across the industry, B90 Holdings, Norsk TIpping and Sightline are among those to have bolstered their teams with key hires.
Norsk Tipping
The Norwegian government has confirmed the appointment of Tonje Sagstuen as the acting CEO of Norsk Tipping.
She will replace Thor Gjermund Eriksen in the role ahead of an impending departure from Norway’s gambling and lotteries monopoly at the end of this month.
The search for Norsk Tipping’s permanent CEO is underway, led by company chair Sylvia Brustad who remarked: “I am pleased that Tonje has agreed to lead the company until a new managing director is appointed.”
Sightline Payments
Sightline Payments has confirmed several changes to its executive leadership team, including that Omer Sattar will become the fintech firm’s sole CEO.
Sattar will transition from Co-CEO to take on sole duties of leading the company into this new era after being named as the “strategic leader”.
Elsewhere, Mike McManus has been appointed as President of Customer Innovation, where he will lead the unit as the company aims to improve its omnichannel payment offerings.
Further changes include Jonathan Michaels, who moves from his prior role of SVP of Strategic Development & Government Affairs to lead his new company, Michaels Strategies.
Felicia Gassen will continue her role as Chief of Staff, but will also take on additional responsibilities as Chief Administrative Officer.
Finally, Tom Sears, who is the Chief Operating Officer of the company, will transition into an advisory role after taking on a Strategic Advisor to the CEO position. With 13 years of experience, Sears will finalize his role as COO on September 15.
“Tom Sears’ dedication and insight have been integral to Sightline’s success, he has been our master watch builder and we could not have done this without him,” Sattar explained
“His transition to Special Advisor is a reflection of our trust in his wisdom and the value we place on his strategic counsel.
“Though we’ll miss his daily operational leadership, we know that his influence will continue to guide us as we embrace the next decade of innovation.
“On behalf of everyone at Sightline and its original founders (Kirk Sanford, Diran Kludjian, and Harry Hagerty), I extend heartfelt thanks to Tom for his remarkable contributions and wish him the very best in this next phase of his journey with our team.”
Rank Group has appointed Keith Laslop to its board of directors as a Non-Executive Director and member of the Audit Committee, which will take effect from September 1, 2023.
Laslop previously served as Chief Financial Officer at Gamesys Group between 2013 and 2021, before acting as a consultant until March 2023 following the company’s acquisition by Bally’s Corporation.
Alex Thursby, Chair, said “We are delighted to welcome Keith to the Rank board. His extensive financial and digital gaming experience will enhance the effectiveness and skillset of our Board and will support our growth strategy. We look forward to working with him over the coming years.”
B90 Holdings
Andrew McIver, former CEO of Jackpotjoy Plc and Sportingbet, has accepted the position of Non-Executive Director at newly-launched igaming operator B90 Holdings.
B90, which aims to establish a portfolio of Europe-wide challenger igaming brands and media portals, has recruited McIver to serve as a corporate NED to help guide the business through its rapid growth phase.
In other developments, the firm has announced the appointment of Farzad Peyman as Chief Finance and M&A Development Officer.
Ronny Breivik, Executive Chair of B90, commented: “I am delighted to welcome both Andrew and Farzad to B90. I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working with Andrew for many years. He is a respected figure in the gaming industry, boasting a wealth of unparalleled experience. Farzad is also a significant name in the sector, and I’m pleased to collaborate with him once more.
“Andrew and Farzad’s appointments follow the recruitment of Mark Blandford, founder of Sportingbet plc, as a Strategic Adviser to B90 earlier this year. Our team is eagerly anticipating the pooling of our collective insight, knowledge, strategic experience, and networks. This collaboration will allow us to capitalise on the opportunities we have identified, setting the stage for robust growth.”
Racecourse Media Group
Ryan Thurburn has joined Racecourse Media Group senior leadership as its first Chief Product Officer, bringing with him extensive experience of bookmaking business.
Primary responsibilities will be to deliver a thorough customer experience to racing viewers and bettors via RMG’s products, including cooperation with the betting and gaming industry.
“I’m thrilled to be joining RMG, which has achieved great success through driving innovation in racing – the bedrock of the betting industry,” he commented:
“As someone who has worked within betting for many years, the opportunity to influence positively the direction of the sport through product innovation, for the consumer, whilst stimulating growth for shareholders, is one that fosters excitement and passion.”
“I am very much looking forward to working with the RMG leadership team as well as other internal and external stakeholders to define a modern, forward thinking, innovative vision and strategy to cultivate growth for shareholders – with customers and the sport at the very heart of everything.”
