Q&A: Plotting a new course
Former NetEnt CPO Simon Hammon on his plans for developing Relax Gaming’s product portfolio and his time at the Malta-based supplier
Simon Hammon spent seven years and a significant chunk of his career at Malta-based casino platform supplier NetEnt, where he led the product team.
But this month Hammon has joined the growing provider, Relax Gaming, which is known for having developed the Unibet poker platform.
Hammon says his decision to move from such a well-established firm is down to a desire to help a much smaller company reach the level of success that NetEnt has experienced.
EGR Technology spoke to Hammon for an insight into his new role as chief product officer at Relax Gaming and what he learned in his time at NetEnt.
EGR Technology: What prompted your move from NetEnt to Relax Gaming?
Simon Hammon (SH): Ultimately I love a challenge and working with innovative and fresh thinking, after 7 years I felt it was time for a new opportunity. I wanted the opportunity to learn new things and involve myself in a deeper product offering that would continue to expand my skills. Choosing the right company was difficult as the industry is in a period of rapid change, I was lucky enough to have several great options but felt Relax Gaming was a great fit.
Relax has a great reputation, casino, bingo and poker backed up with a top platform and as a company is entering an exciting phase of its growth. I thrive in a rapid growth culture and love the challenges and opportunities that can bring; couple this with a great product and passionate people and you have a company that brings out the best of me. I had many positive experiences and successes but just felt it was time to embrace a change.
EGR Technology: How will the role differ from your previous work at NetEnt?
SH: The role will be different of course however at the core is the desire to ensure a top quality and innovative product for our partners. I have had previous experience in casino and bingo which I am looking forward to getting back to but also learning the b2b side of poker.
Naturally I have worked with casino for many years and I am looking forward to working with our great platform, partners and customers to build on the top multi-channel offering we have today. I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and helping to shape Relax Gaming’s already great success. Coming from a larger company to a smaller one will bring differences however I am looking forward to the fast, agile pace and can do attitude that it also brings.
EGR Technology: How will the skillset and experience you’ve gained in previous roles help you in your new position?
SH: I feel I can bring a lot to the table not only on a product level but also from a company and cultural one. I have experienced the challenges that rapid growth can bring as well as the importance of listening to customers in a rapidly changing environment. My experience of helping to shape and grow a company will I hope be of great value to Relax Gaming and I look forward to working with the great team in place. With a clear vision, strong culture and top product in place I feel there is an excellent opportunity to develop and grow further.
EGR Technology: What were the main changes at NetEnt during your time with the company?
SH: The changes were large, we went from a smaller company to a much larger one – we grew our products, brands, markets, platform, mobile proposition with great success. Of course as the company becomes bigger this brings fresh challenges in terms of culture and reputation protection, something which I worked hard to secure and grow. There were many changes but also many successes and you can only do that by ensuring a high quality product and inspiring those with you on the journey to always push for better.
EGR Technology: What are you working on in terms of products at the moment?
SH: Relax Gaming has many exciting projects in the pipeline that we are working on at the moment. My focus currently is to immerse myself and help strengthen our multi-product offering to the market. We have lots of opportunity and it can be exciting to try and deliver on all areas but of course this needs to come with a clear and highly prioritised effort. There will be many great things we will be releasing in the coming years and I look forward to being with Relax to realise them.
Simon Hammon, CPO, Relax Gaming