Mohegan, a major entertainment and gaming resort company, has named Nelson Parker as chief strategy officer — a move that represents a significant part of Mohegan’s strategic growth plan. Before being promoted to this position, Parker was senior vice president of strategic development.

Parker Brings Gaming and Hospitality Expertise to Mohegan

Parker came to Mohegan in 2022 after working in different senior-level roles within the gaming and hospitality industries. He was also previously employed at Driftwood Capital as managing director, where he oversaw investments made by its private equity fund focused on hotels.

Additionally, he served as senior VP of corporate development for Penn National Gaming and held various positions such as SVP hotel and casino development at Hard Rock International, vice president of development at Foxwoods Resort Casino, and corporate director of development at Argosy Gaming.

Ray Pineault, president and chief executive officer of Mohegan, welcomed Parker by saying: “Nelson has vast experience and a proven track record in strategic development and growth within the gaming and hospitality sectors. His skills will be invaluable as we continue to expand our footprint globally and explore new opportunities.”

In his new capacity with the organization, Parker will play a key role in identifying global growth opportunities, evaluating their viability and leading all necessary steps to forge these new frontiers. This will entail critically contributing toward future expansion efforts through capital planning while initiating vetting processes which will ensure successful realization across the board. He is expected to work closely with the top management team so that they can aligns strategic initiatives with the long term vision of the firm.

Nelson Parker Joins Executive Team to Drive Global Expansion

Parker who could not hide his excitement about taking up this post added: “I am honored to be a part of Mohegan’s executive leadership team and contribute to the company’s dynamic growth and strategic vision. Leveraging my experience in the gaming and hospitality sectors, I look forward to identifying new opportunities and driving initiatives that will enhance our offerings and expand our global footprint.”

Mohegan has recently made significant strides in expanding its reach, notably with the opening of the INSPIRE resort in Incheon, South Korea, a $1.6 billion project that marks the company’s first foray into Asia. 

Within Mohegan, the promotion of Nelson Parker as part of the bigger trend of strengthening the company’s leadership. Earlier in the year, Joe Hasson was appointed as the interim chief operating officer while Ari Glazer became the chief financial officer, all aimed at building a strong management team during significant growth stages.

In the United States, Canada and Northern Asia, Mohegan runs first-class entertainment resorts. In the US alone there are five such facilities located in various places including Washington, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Nevada. The company’s iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, delivers advanced online gaming solutions to a global audience. Mohegan also owns and operates the Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA.

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The international software company that is a part of the world’s leading gaming and sports betting operator Flutter Entertainment, Singular, announced an important senior-level appointment. The company revealed on Tuesday it selected Phil Garner for the role of managing director. In his new position with Singular, he is expected to play an instrumental role in its growth and expansion.

Joining Singular, Garner fills the position of George Shamugia, the company’s co-founder who used to hold the managing director role for more than 10 years. While Shamugia will no longer serve in the capacity of managing director, he will oversee the smooth transition of responsibilities to Garner. At the same time, Shamugia will remain a part of Singular and serve as its chief architect.

Currently, the company is renowned for its innovative and award-winning software solutions that power operators across the globe. Singular has a growing team of seasoned experts and remains dedicated to delivering software and solutions that stand out with reliability, scalability, flexibility and innovation. The company was acquired by Flutter back in 2021 and joined its international division.

“The major focus will be to enable Singular to be part of the Flutter Edge and charge our capabilities in markets with high-growth potential.“

Phil Garner, managing director at Singular

Sharing his excitement about the new role, Garner said that he will focus on spearheading the company’s growth and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. He thanked Shamugia for the dedication and success he brought to the company. “I’m glad we will continue working together as we pursue our vision and grasp the new opportunities that lie ahead for the team and the business,” said Garner in conclusion.

The Senior Executive Brings Extensive Experience

Darko Gacov, Singlular’s co-founder and director of operations, added that it is exciting to see Garner as the company’s new managing director. He welcomed Garner to the C-suite, acknowledging that he brings “extensive industry experience and profound understanding” of Singlular’s products, making him a perfect fit for the new role. Finally, Gacov predicted that the company will continue to deliver exceptional experiences for the brands it supports, guided by Garner.

Before joining Singular, Garner was a part of another Flutter-owned operator, PokerStars. During his tenure with the company, he held the role of senior director of infrastructure and platform services. His professional background includes more senior-level roles within Flutter Group, which enabled him to accumulate significant knowledge in payments, PAM and sports, among other gaming-related verticals.

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GAN, a major B2B technology provider of gaming solutions, decided to put its interim CEO, Seamus McGill, at the helm of the company, this time permanently. As the company’s new CEO, McGill will be tasked with overseeing the looming merger with Sega Sammy.

McGill was named interim CEO in September 2023, succeeding Dermot Smurfit who stepped down from the position. Prior to this appointment, McGill served as chairman of GAN’s board of directors.

GAN’s new CEO boasts robust experience in the tech and gaming sectors and is a suitable appointment to the company’s C-suite. He boasts some 25 years of experience within technology and gambling, having served a variety of influential companies across several countries and continents.

The appointee’s impressive track record includes tenures at Aristocrat, Cyberview Technology, JOINGO, Mikohn Gaming and WMS Gaming.

McGill joined GAN’s board back in April 2014, meaning that he now has a solid decade-long experience with the company’s business. His reliable expertise is sure to provide the company with an edge when it comes to its future endeavors.

In addition to serving as CEO, McGill will continue to be a part of the company’s board of directors.

McGill Thanked the Board for Its Confidence

GAN’s current chair, David Goldberg, welcomed McGill as permanent CEO, saying that his expertise and leadership abilities made him the “most qualified candidate” to be the firm’s new leader.

Seamus has been with the Company since 2014 and has a deep understanding of GAN’s products, customers, and strategy. On behalf of the entire board of directors, I’d like to congratulate Seamus on his appointment and we look forward to his success.

David Goldberg, chair, GAN

McGill commented on his new position, saying that he is honored to be named GAN’s CEO. McGill extended thanks to Goldberg and the rest of the board for their confidence.

Going forward, our focus remains unchanged. We remain committed to a timely closing of our transaction with Sega Sammy to maximize value for all of our stakeholders.

Seamus McGill, CEO, GAN

Speaking of the Sega Sammy merger, the transaction was just approved by GAN’s shareholders, despite an ongoing legal challenge from several disgruntled plaintiffs.

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The leading designer and manufacturer of casino management systems and slot machines, powering gambling operators across the globe, Konami Gaming, unveiled a new C-suite appointment. The company has announced it strengthened its senior-level team with the addition of Stephanie Lau. Joining Konami, she was appointed to the role of vice president of sales enablement and gaming operations.

Lau is expected to play a pivotal role in strategic processes related to analysis, data and market delivery. Ultimately, with her new role at Konami Gaming, she is expected to ensure the delivery of exceptional experiences for the company’s growing portfolio of customers.

Overall, Lau has nearly two decades of experience within the gambling sector after the start of her career back in 2005. Currently, she holds a Management Information Systems (MIS) degree along with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, International Business from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Throughout her professional career, Lau was a part of recognizable companies within the gambling sector. Her experience includes roles with MGM Resorts International as well as Station Casinos, among other leading resorts on the Las Vegas Strip.

Lau’s extensive experience includes roles within resorts and local destinations with both commercial and tribal operators. She has invaluable knowledge from the sales, data analytics and business divisions, making her a perfect fit for the new role at Konami Gaming.

The New VP of Sales Enablement Brings Extensive Experience

Jay Bertsch, Konami’s senior vice president and chief commercial officer, highlighted Lau’s experience which spans nearly two decades within the gambling sector. “She has demonstrated an ability to drive exceptional results through gaming analytics, market strategy, product positioning, and customer engagement, which we look forward to sharing with the valued casinos we serve,” he added.

“With nearly 20 years of distinguished experience in the gaming industry, Stephanie is bringing an important operator focus and data-driven approach to this key appointment.“

Jay Bertsch, SVP and CCO at Konami Gaming

The latest senior-level appointment comes on the heels of another major announcement by Konami. Back in October, the company confirmed several appointments in an effort to strengthen its relationships with its business partners. At the time, Konami said it transferred Josh Faish and Justin Torres to director of sales roles.

Moreover, the company revealed it selected Rick Tribble, Jeff Fuller and Caroline Byne for directors of business development positions. Ultimately, each of the appointments sought to improve Konami’s business-to-business relationships and contribute toward its growth in different jurisdictions.

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Allwyn UK, the successor of Camelot as The National Lottery operator, announced a major new appointment. According to the announcement, Steve Parkinson, a former Bauer Media leader, will join the Allwyn team as its new brand and marketing director.

In this new position, Parkinson will leverage his expertise to grow The National Lottery and help it generate more funds for good causes. In this position, Parkinson will replace Ivor Burns who is set to step down from his position after 14 years with The National Lottery.

Allwyn pointed out that Parkinson is a former Bauer Media employee who held several senior marketing and business leadership positions. He oversaw the growth and brand development of Kiss, Magic, Absolute Radio, Jazz FM, Planet Rock and more. Parkinson also boasts experience in leading post-acquisition integrations, Allwyn added.

Before joining the UK’s most influential media brand network, Allwyn’s new hire served as EMAP’s marketing and brand director. In this position, he managed a portfolio of consumer brands across multiple channels, as well as a roster of creative and media agencies. His track record also includes a decade at Chrysalis where he held a number of senior roles.

The appointee will bring a wealth of experience in transforming brands to Allwyn UK’s team, as well as extensive knowledge of media partnerships and creative production. His appointment comes ahead of Allwyn’s takeover of The National Lottery and in the wake of Mark Hughes’ appointment as chief security officer.

Parkinson Is Excited to Join Allwyn in Such an Important Time

Parkinson expressed his excitement about the opportunity to join Allwyn at such a pivotal time for the company. He said that he is excited to work with Allwyn on raising money for good causes.

The National Lottery is a huge part of UK life and contributes so much to society through Good Causes funding – so to come on board at the very beginning of a new era, with a new operator, is incredibly exciting.

Steve Parkinson, brand and marketing director, Allwyn

Allwyn’s chief commercial officer, Lucy Buckley, welcomed Parkinson to the Allwyn family, lauding him as a “proven marketing leader.”

We’re excited about what he can bring to Allwyn and The National Lottery, with his wealth of experience in senior marketing roles.

Lucy Buckley, CCO, Allwyn

Buckley also used the opportunity to thank Burns for his enormous contribution to The National Lottery which left The National Lottery’s brands “in great shape.”

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Svenska Spel, a Swedish state-owned gambling operator, has named Anna Johnson as the successor of its current chief executive officer, Patrik Hofbauer. The latter announced his exit earlier this year, opting to explore other opportunities instead.

Johnson will serve as Svenska Spel’s new president and CEO and is set to step into the office by June 2024, the former Swedish monopoly announced.

According to Svenska Spel, its new CEO boasts a master’s degree in economics from Mitthögskolan in Östersund. She is also an authorized accountant with an impressive track record behind her back.

Aged 50, Johnson currently serves as a partner and CEO of Grant Thornton, a global accounting and consulting firm. She boasts decades of experience in accounting and has held a number of leading corporate positions at Grant Thornton. She was appointed as the agency’s CEO seven years ago and has leveraged her experience to bolster the firm.

Hofbauer, meanwhile, is set to leave Svenska Spel very soon. Starting on February 1, 2024, the incumbent CEO will join the Swedish telecommunications juggernaut Telia Company. Following the departure of Hofbauer, Erik Strand, Svenska Spel’s board chair, will serve as interim CEO until Johnson takes office.

Johnson Is Honored to Have Svenska Spel’s Trust

Strand commented on the new appointment, praising Johnson’s track record of successful leadership positions. He lauded her ability to build strong teams, create more customer value and deliver profitable growth. According to the chairman, Johnson’s drive and curiosity made her a perfect fit for Svenska Spel.

The board and I are very much looking forward to working together with Anna and her management team.

Erik Strand, chairman, Svenska Spel

Strand added that Sweden’s former gambling monopoly has implemented many changes in recent years. He believes that the company is now poised to offer engaging and safe gaming experiences to its customers in the country.

Johnson also commented on his new position, saying that it represents a “fantastic opportunity.” The new CEO added that she is honored to have the trust of one of Sweden’s strongest gambling brands. She also praised the company’s commitment to sustainable entertainment, saying that this philosophy provides benefits both to the Swedish people and Swedish sports.

I am really looking forward to leading Svenska Spel’s journey of change together with the employees and continuing to create results.

Anna Johnson, CEO appointee, Svenska Spel

Speaking of Sweden, BOS’ general secretary, Gustaf Hoffstedt, just weighed on the country’s newly-proposed gambling tax, saying that it would be a “gift to the black market.”

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The American Gaming Association (AGA) has reinforced its executive team with the appointment of the experienced Joe Maloney as senior vice president of strategic communications. In this position, the new appointee will be tasked with leading the gambling association’s communications, research, marketing and public affairs.

Maloney will officially join AGA’s team in January and will help advance key priorities for AGA members. He joins the AGA from the Washington Commanders, a professional football franchise. During his time with the team, Maloney served as vice president of public affairs and strategic communications. The position saw him spearhead the club’s external engagement, proving his expertise in communications.

As VP of public affairs for the Commanders, Maloney also steered the franchise’s legislative advocacy on sports betting in Virginia and Maryland. Thanks to this, the team was able to form key partnerships with FanDuel in Virginia and Fanatics in Maryland. Maloney was also instrumental in cementing the Washington Commanders as the first NFL team to join AGA’s “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly.” initiative.

Before joining the Washington Commanders, Maloney served as a partner at Locust Street Group, a full-service public affairs agency in Washington DC. During his team with LSG, Maloney led the agency’s work on G2E and AGA’s Get to Know Gaming series.

Bill Miller, AGA’s president and chief executive officer, welcomed the new hire on board, saying that he will be an invaluable addition to the association’s best-in-class communications team. He described the new appointee as an “accomplished professional” who doesn’t back off when facing significant public affairs challenges.

We will benefit not only from his (from Maloney’s) depth of experience and his tireless advocacy, but his enthusiasm and energy to hit the ground running as a champion for the casino gaming industry.

Bill Miller, president & CEO, AGA

Maloney also commented on the matter, expressing his excitement about his new position. He noted that his new appointment comes at a “pivotal moment for the gaming industry.”

Maloney said: “I’m honored to join the AGA and its dedicated team at this pivotal moment for the gaming industry. The future holds great promise and I’m energized by the opportunity and challenge of communicating the remarkable benefits and economic impact of legal gaming across the country.”

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The leading iGaming affiliate, Catena Media, announced an important senior-level appointment today. The company confirmed that its board of directors decided to appoint the seasoned executive, Sean Hurley, as non-executive director. Joining Catena, he fills in the role that was vacated by Per Widerström back in August this year. At the time, Widerström said that he decided to step down and take on the position of chief executive officer at 888 Holdings.

Catena confirmed that Hurley’s appointment to its board of directors will come into effect once the required regulatory filings with the Malta Business Registry are completed. The company revealed that the term of the new non-executive director would last through the end of its next annual general meeting. This requirement, Catena said, is in line with the Maltese Companies Act as well as the company’s articles of association.

Ahead of the appointment of the new non-executive director, Catena confirmed the divestment of its Italian assets earlier this month. At the time, the company revealed that the divestment of its casino and sports assets in Italy was completed in two details totaling $21.7 million. This achievement also marked the completion of its strategic review that sought to boost the company’s focus on markets across the Americas.

Hurley Is Thrilled to Join Catena’s Board of Directors

Becoming a part of the board of directors at Catena brought excitement for Hurley. He said that it is thrilling to join the company at such an important phase in its growth and development. Finally, Hurley explained: “I am delighted to have been asked to contribute my expertise as the company moves forward and further strengthens its position as a leading affiliate in North America.”

“Catena Media has entered an exciting new phase in its development and has a promising future ahead.“

Sean Hurley, non-executive director at Catena Media

As a seasoned expert, Hurley brings a wide range of skills and knowledge from the betting and gaming sectors. Overall, he spent more than 13 years within the vertical, proving himself as a leading advisor, experienced executive and investor. Throughout his extensive career within the sports betting, casino and social gaming sectors, Hurley held different important senior-level positions related to affiliate and business-to-consumer relations. He also held important positions related to the business-to-business sector.

Earlier this month, Catena posted its Q3 results, showing a revenue decrease of 28% year-over-year. Besides revenue, the company’s adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations halted at $3.4 million, representing a decrease of 65%.

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The United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced the appointment of Nick Rust as the chairman of its Industry Forum. According to the regulator, Rust will step into the office in November and will serve an initial two-year term.

The UKGC noted that its Industry Forum will be made up of members from the United Kingdom’s gambling sector. Its job will be to provide the gambling watchdog with insight into how the gambling industry feels about the Commission’s regulatory plans.

As announced by the UKGC, Rust has a significant track record in the gambling and sports sectors. His past experience includes a successful six-year tenure as the chief executive officer of the British Horseracing Authority. In addition to that, Rust currently serves as the chairman of the Starting Price Regulatory Commission. He is also a non-executive director of Redcar Racecourse.

The UKGC added that Rust is a founding partner of GVS EQ, a company that specializes in equine sports. He is also a trustee of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Marcus Boyle, the UKGC’s chairman, welcomed Rust on board. He praised his knowledge of the gambling sector, saying that his input will be invaluable.

I am delighted that Nick has been appointed as the inaugural Chair of the Commission’s Industry Forum. Nick’s extensive knowledge of the gambling sector makes him a valuable asset, and I am confident he will work with us to create a productive and insightful Industry Forum.

Marcus Boyle, chair, UKGC

The UKGC Moves Toward Implementing the White Paper Measures

In the meantime, the UKGC continues to evaluate and move toward implementing the measures outlined in the Gambling Act white paper. However, its plans to introduce affordability checks continue to dismay both consumers and gambling companies.

A recent petition, for example, seeks to convince the government to abandon its affordability checks plans. The petition currently has almost 75,000 signatures. Gamblers argue that the measure would make their hobby unsustainable, despite the UKGC’s efforts to convince them that the checks would be seamless and non-intrusive.

Andrew Rhodes from the UKGC has been increasingly vocal about the alleged intentional efforts to misinform the British public about the true nature of the checks. During the recent IAGR conference, he reaffirmed his position, slamming the efforts to “muddy the waters of debate and to torpedo the implementation.”

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Hard Rock Digital, Hard Rock’s online casino and sports betting arm, has welcomed a new addition to its team. The one to join the company at this time is Martin Graham Arthur who will serve as the company’s new director of product operations.

Joining a team of new and familiar faces, Arthur will now be responsible for managing the product team and improving the company’s offering. To that end, the new hire will leverage years of experience in the gambling sector.

Hard Rock Digital’s new director of operations boasts an impressive track record. He has worked within the gaming industry for over a decade and has served a number of notable companies.

Arthur’s career started in 2008 when he joined PokerStars as payment analyst. After almost two years, he was promoted as payment services manager and then product manager. In 2014, Arthur became PokerStars’ senior product manager – a position he held for over two years and a half.

Following that, Arthur became an associate director of product & program management for The Stars Group’s sports division. After almost three years in that position, Arthur saw The Stars Group acquired by the Irish gambling giant Flutter Entertainment. At that point, Arthur was appointed as Flutter’s vice president of product & program management for the US market.

As Hard Rock Digital’s new director of product operations, Arthur will leverage almost 15 years of industry experience and many years of product experience to bolster the operator’s business.

An Exciting New Chapter for Arthur

Arthur commented on his new appointment on LinkedIn, sharing an old photo. He reminisced about his arrival in London in 2008 and how he got his first “real job” at a company he hadn’t even heard of.

Now, Arthur has years of experience, 3 continental relocations, 1 FBI shutdown and “countless amazing experiences” behind his back. He thanked everyone who made his time with PokerStars/Amaya/The Stars Group/Flutter special.

I can’t name everyone who made this time special as there are too many, so I’ll just say thank you to all. So much in my life today that I am thankful for and appreciate traces back to this journey.

Martin Graham Arthur, director of product operations, Hard Rock Digital

Arthur added that he is very excited about the new opportunities awaiting him as a member of the Hard Rock family.

Now, I am incredibly excited to be taking on a new challenge with Hard Rock Digital as Director of Product Operations. Ready to rock with some familiar faces and a talented team!

Martin Graham Arthur, director of product operations, Hard Rock Digital

In August, Hard Rock launched its Hard Rock Bet brand in New Jersey.

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