With comings and goings commonplace across the industry, Codere, Churchill Downs and Light & Wonder are among those to have bolstered their teams.
Light & Wonder
Light & Wonder is to added Kelsy Foster to its roster of game designers next year, when she will lead a studio of game designers out of offices in Reno, Nevada.
This move will bring an end to more than two decades at IGT, where Foster most recently served as Vice President of Vibe Studio to bring to market several games, including Prosperity Link and Mystery of the Lamp.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kelsy to the Light & Wonder team,” said Siobhan Lane, Light & Wonder CEO of Gaming.
“Her 20-year journey in the gaming industry speaks to her unparalleled expertise, and we look forward to her leadership as we continue to shape the future of gaming and deliver the best games.”
Codere
Codere continues its senior management reorganisation by appointing Agustin Gonzalez as Director of Technology and Digitalisation of the Spanish and LatAm gambling group.
Working directly with new Chief Executive Gonzaga Higuero, Gonzalez will spearhead the omni-channel digitisation projects for Codere across all core markets.
In a statement, the company said. “Agustín González takes on the challenge of leading the company’s digital transformation, identifying opportunities where technology contributes to improving processes.
In addition, it will focus on the development and execution of a technological strategy aligned with the group’s general objectives, ensuring that technology is a lever for generating value.”
Mohegan
Guy Greene has been named as Vice President of Online Marketing of Mohegan Digital, where he will be charged with supporting the expanding footprint of its digital products. These include MoheganSunCasino in Connecticut and PlayFallsViewCasino in Ontario, Canada.
Greene, whose career started at Mohegan Sun when it opened in 1996, will lead a dedicated online marketing team as they continue to develop brand positioning, advertising campaigns, acquisition efforts and product management for the company’s igaming and online sports betting offerings
“Guy Greene has a wealth of Marketing knowledge and experience in the gaming industry and Mohegan is thrilled to have him lead our Online Marketing team,” said Rich Roberts, President of Mohegan Digital.
“Our igaming business has seen tremendous success and to carry that success forward, and to further evolve and meet new demands in this fast-growing industry, a proven leader like Greene will be vital.”
Scientific Games
Angela Goodwin has been named as Vice President of SGEP Operations at Scientific Games, where she will lead the company’s instant game management program.
Having joined the group in 2007, she brings 16 years of lottery instant product manufacturing and management experience to the position.
Scientific Games’ enhanced partnership programs provide instant game portfolio management to over 20 partner lotteries, including eight of the top 10-performing instant game lotteries worldwide.
Prior to her new role, Goodwin served as Senior Director of SGEP Operations and Global Instant Products for Scientific Games. She has advanced through various roles since joining the company as Instant Game Manufacturing Coordinator.
“We believe that Angela’s natural leadership skills, overall management philosophy and extensive knowledge of our SGEP operations will provide the strategic vision to evolve the program and achieve growth for our lottery customers by responsibly driving instant product performance,” noted John Schulz, President of Americas and Global Instant Products for Scientific Games.
RLJ Companies
Scott Royster has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer at CAGE Companies, a RLJ Companies majority-owned company.
At the group, an operator of gaming systems, terminals and games in the Caribbean and South America, he will be charged with building on decades of experience to drive financial growth, discipline, and strategies.
Robert Johnson, Founder of The RLJ Companies and majority owner of the CAGE Companies, noted: “We are excited about Scott joining the CAGE Companies as its new CFO and sharing his vast experience as a CFO, entrepreneur and investment banker as CAGE continues its strategic growth and diversification into sports betting, virtual sports and igaming.
“Scott has also previously served as a Director of one of my companies, RLJ Entertainment.”
Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs has named Patrick Neely as President of its Exacta Systems subsidiary, which was purchased for a total consideration of $250m, subject to certain working capital and other purchase price adjustments, in August.
Bringing over 25 years of experience to the position, Neely will gain responsibility for the overall strategy and operations of the newly acquired business unit, which operates within the company’s TwinSpires segment. The promotion is effective immediately.
“As CDI continues to lead in the Historical Horse Racing market, Patrick’s wealth of experience and knowledge will be invaluable additions to our leadership team,” stated Ben Murr, SVP of CDI & President of TwinSpires and Online Gaming.
“We look forward to continuing to grow this business with Patrick and the Exacta team.”
Accel Entertainment
Accel Entertainment has announced that Mark Phelan, formerly Chief Revenue Officer, has been promoted to the newly created position of President of US Gaming.
The gaming terminal provider noted that Phelan will be primarily responsible for setting and guiding Accel’s growth strategy, including leading the execution of key expansion and diversification initiatives.
In addition, he will also continue to oversee business development as well as the company’s M&A strategy. He will remain an active member of the executive team, and report directly to President and CEO Andy Rubenstein.
“Since joining Accel, Mark has been an exceptional leader of our sales and revenue team,” stated Rubenstein. “Throughout this time, Mark has driven significant revenue growth and helped shepherd Accel’s expansion into new markets.
“This newly created position will enable Mark to focus even more of his time and energy on our go-forward strategy to expand our geographical presence and the breadth of our offerings. This appointment is a true testament to Mark’s expertise and I look forward to continuing to partner with him in this new capacity.”
