With comings and goings commonplace across the industry, PointsBet, Videoslots and Hard Rock, all feature in our latest rundown of a number of recent manoeuvres.
BetMGM
Luke Staudenmaier has been appointed as director of poker at BetMGM, where he will focus on the growth and expansion of a partypoker US network which consists of BetMGM Poker, Borgata Poker, and partypoker. All three brands are currently live in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.
Staudenmaier has been involved in the poker industry for 15 years, most recently serving as head of poker operations at PokerStars, overseeing the offering across all jurisdictions.
“Luke is a poker industry veteran and brings a wealth of knowledge to our growing team,” said Matthew Sunderland, vice president of gaming at BetMGM.
“He’ll use his experience playing professionally to strengthen the partypoker US Network’s player-first operational mindset.”
Videoslots
Videoslots has named Anne Muscat Scerri as the group’s chief people officer, in a move which it says will prove to be “a real benefit to the recruitment and retention of staff, as well as our great work culture”.
In the position, Scerri will utilise more than 10 years of experience in the gaming industry to lead a team of HR professionals to focus on creating a rewarding work culture for the company.
Scerri, who has held positions as Betsson and Bethard, and joins Videoslots from iSoftBet, commented on joining the firm: “My career thus far has allowed me to gain real expertise in strategic senior management roles, as well as hands on, independent project management tasks.
“A dynamic company like Videoslots is the perfect place for me to develop my skills further, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Hard Rock
Hard Rock has welcomed Donna Ward to the rose of vice president of sales at the group’s Atlantic City casino establishment.
This will see Ward oversee Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City‘s sales operations including meetings and conventions, which covers over 150,000 square feet.
Prior to joining Hard Rock Atlantic City Ward spent more than 35 years in sales roles throughout Atlantic City including Harrah’s, the former Trump Organisation and Resorts Casino Hotel. Most recently, she was VP of sales, catering and convention services at Golden Nugget.
“Hard Rock Atlantic City is thrilled to welcome Donna to our team,” said Joe Lupo, president of the Hard Rock property.
“Her commitment to bringing the best meetings and conventions to Hard Rock will not only be invaluable to our property but will also elevate the Atlantic City market as a whole.”
GamCare has expanded its executive leadership team to enhance the management of its problem gambling treatment support network and wider national stakeholders.
This has seen Rachel Hassan become the permanent director of quality and innovation, with Fiona MacLeod gaining promotion to become clinical and communities director. Both joined the charity in 2019.
Anna Hemmings, GamCare CEO, commented: “I’m delighted with Ray and Fiona’s appointments, they have been instrumental in transforming our work, ensuring GamCare is the leading provider of information and support for those affected by gambling harms.
“Their passion and drive have delivered significant improvements and have been instrumental in our recent successes. I am looking forward to their continued work within GamCare, our Partner Network and wider stakeholders to create further opportunities for innovation and impact.”
PointsBet has appointed former Facebook executive Kyle Christensen as its new US CMO, overseeing overall marketing strategy and working with core partners to drive product growth and gain market share. He will report to US CEO Johnny Aitken.
He joins PointsBet with nearly 20 years of high-profile marketing expertise in developing fully integrated content, brand, television, film, consumer, product, and partner campaigns. He has worked for Facebook, National Geographic, and Netflix.
“PointsBet continues to hire the best talent in the world,” Aitken said. “Our company’s growth trajectory is exciting, and Kyle is going to help take us to the next level.
“As our business evolves and in-game betting continues to be an ever-more important aspect of the premium experience we offer, upping our game and reaching our customers where they are is critical. I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Kyle to our team and can’t wait to see what we build together.”
