With plenty of movers and shakers around the industry, allow CasinoBeats to give you the rundown on a number of recent manoeuvres.

Evoplay Entertainment

Ivan Kravchuk has been named as the new CEO of game development studio Evoplay Entertainment, bringing over a decade of senior management and creative design experience.

In the new position Kravchuk is to be charged with further strengthening the production process for Evoplay Entertainment’s games portfolio, as well as guiding the company through its latest new market entries and operator debuts.

“Stepping up to lead the company I have been part of since day one is a dream come true. I’m incredibly proud to be guiding one of the industry’s most dynamic, agile and enterprising suppliers through its next chapter of development.

“Having already claimed a host of industry accolades and ground-breaking technological advancements with my team here, I can promise our innovation-packed portfolio is only just getting started as we gear up to deliver another record-breaking year.” – Kravchuk.

European Casino Association

Tracy Damestani has resigned from the board of directors of the European Casino Association effective immediately, following years of commitment to the promotion of the sector among UK and EU regulatory bodies.

After being elected as vice-chair of the association in 2015, Damestani is credited with substantially contributing to the growth and the diversity of the association, thanks to her long-lasting experience in the field of gambling association work.

“Within the ECA, Ms Damestani has emphasised the importance of supporting women in the gambling industry before the term gender diversity became mainstream. Working closely for several years with Ms. Damestani – on issues related to responsible gambling, GDPR and other important topics for our industry as well as trade organisation management – has been a great experience.

“Her contributions to the ECA are very valuable. She will be missed, but we know she will continue to be an ambassador for the land-based casino industry at different levels. Her involvement will have a lasting impact on the ECA, and we wish her all the best for her future endeavours. The ECA is now considering several different options to maintain a close relationship with the land-based casino industry in the UK.” – Per Jaldung, ECA Chairman.

Gold Strike Casino Resort

Brandon Dardeau has been announced as the new president and COO of MGM Resorts International’s Mississippi-based Gold Strike Casino Resort.

Beginning his career with the firm at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino Las Vegas at the turn of the twenty-first century, Dardeau has also served as vice president of marketing at the firm’s Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi since 2014.

The appointment comes with predecessor David Tsai relocating to Michigan to serve as the new president and COO of MGM Grand Detroit Casino.

“This is a well-deserved promotion for Brandon and an exciting time for Gold Strike. Dardeau’s nearly 20-years of experience with MGM and strong Mississippi ties make him a great addition to the Tunica team.

“He has done tremendous work at Beau Rivage, leading their various marketing programs and, especially, his role launching M life Rewards, and I believe his business acumen, loyalty and passion will make this a successful transition. I also want to thank David for all his good work at Gold Strike. I know he will continue to thrive in Detroit.” – Jorge Perez, regional portfolio president of MGM Resorts International.

FSB

Former Playtech and Kambi board member and Kindred CFO Susan Ball has been appointed to the FSB board, as the firm aims to continue to strengthen its senior team and expand its presence across emerging and existing markets.

Ball will sit on FSB’s board in an advisory capacity and work closely with CEO Dave McDowell and his senior management team to guide the business during a period of planned rapid growth and expansion across new and established markets including Africa, Latin America and the US.

“Susan is a first-class addition to the company’s executive board. Her vast industry expertise and experience will play a vital role in taking the company to its next level of growth. We’re thrilled she has chosen to join us.” – David McDowell, CEO at FSB.