People news 11 February 2016
The latest people news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (5 February to 11 February 2016)
SBTech recruits new CEO as Zak steps down
Deutsche Bank analyst Richard Carter will take reigns at supplier on 1 March
Betting and gaming supplier SBTech has named Deutsche Bank analyst Richard Carter (pictured) as its new CEO following Itai Zak’s decision to quit the firm.
Carter, who currently runs the investment bank’s European equity gaming franchise, will begin his role on 1 March.
The outgoing Zak joined SBTech in 2011 and has overseen growth from just 50 employees to more than 500 today, while also building an impressive client list and geographical footprint across Europe, LatAm and Asia.
Zak informed the SBTech board of his plans to leave last July and he told EGR he would remain at the business in a consultancy capacity for a couple of months to ensure a smooth handover of chief exec responsibilities.
888 seeks regulatory approval to promote Itai Frieberger to CEO
888 launched its sports betting product in Italy last week, and has also moved to promote chief operating officer (COO) Itai Frieberger to the role of CEO.
According to UK newspaper the Telegraph, the firm is attempting to gain clearance in the jurisdictions where it holds gambling licences, a process that could take months.
If approved, Frieberger will succeed former chief exec Brian Mattingley, who stepped back from the day to day running of the business in May last year when he became non-executive chairman.
Seven days in people news:
FanDuel culls 75% of Florida workforce
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) operator FanDuel has laid off dozens of employees at its Florida office amid growing legal and regulatory pressure.
FanDuel notified the state it would let go of 55 members of staff – representing around 75% of its workforce – on April 10, less than a year after hiring 40 former Zynga developers to its Orlando office.
Despite the cull, the office will remain open and will be staffed by around 20 customer service agents and members of its ‘talent team’.
Holland Casino appoints new CEO
Holland Casino has appointed Erwin van Lambaart as its new chief executive officer, the Dutch gambling monopoly announced this week.
Lambaart begins his new role on 7 March, replacing the company’s current CFO Anita de Kleijn who had served as CEO on an interim basis following the departure of the previous CEO in July 2015.
“The Supervisory Board finds Erwin van Lambaart, given his experience and background, appropriate for Holland Casino CEO,” Holland Casino chairman, Ath Schouwenaar, said.
“He possesses the necessary qualities to lead the company in a challenging period which is expected to see both the legalisation of online gambling and the liberalisation of the gambling market,” he added.
Scientifc Games names new CEO for UK subsidiary
Scientific Games has named Phil Horne as chief executive of its UK subsidiary SG Gaming following the annoucement executive chairman Steve Frater will depart the supplier giant at the end of Q1.
Frater has served as executive chairman for the past five years, but will step down on 31 March and will be replaced by Horne, who is currently group managing director.
Horne joined SG Gaming in March 2013, having previously served as gaming director of Gala Coral between 1996 and 2008.
He will take on his new role upon Frater’s departure, reporting to Scientific Games’ group chief executive of gaming Derik Mooberry.