People news 2 April 2015

GTECH bolsters legal team

Lotto and gaming giant appoints new legal head as it nears completion of its acquisition of IGT

Italian lottery and Gaming giant GTECH has named Neil Abrams as its new senior vice president and general counsel to head up the firm’s legal division.

He will now be responsible for overseeing all legal and corporate matters for GTECH as the firm nears the completion of its acquisition of IGT, and will report directly to CFO Alberto Fornaro.

Abrams has more than 30 years’ experience with IBM, and most recently serves as assistant general counsel of client experience.

“As GTECH prepares for the imminent acquisition of IGT, and we begin listing on the New York Stock Exchange, our legal team will play a critical role ensuring we successfully navigate these changes and opportunities,” Fornaro said.

“Neil’s lengthy and transformative experience with IBM, combined with his strong customer focus, will provide GTECH with the depth and expertise needed to meet these objectives,” he added.

Playtech names new head of investor relations

Playtech has named Andrew Smith as its new head of investor relations.

Smith joins Playtech banking software systems provider Temenos, where he was head of investor relations and strategic projects.

He will be responsible for the co-ordination and execution of Playtech’s global investor relations program, including interaction with investors and equity analysts.

Smith has also severed as the director of corporate brokering at Deutsche Bank, where he led day-to-day relations with clients including Ladbrokes and bwin.party.

EveryMatrix appoints new product development VP

EveryMatrix has appointed Oren Cohen Schwartz to the role of vice president of product development, as the firm looks to “adapt to the changing dynamics of the industry”.

Schwartz has more than 15 years’ experience in the IT industry and a background in online gaming, product development and management.

“The EveryMatrix team is growing at a very rapid pace and we’re proud to have Oren join us,” said EveryMatrix CEO Ebbe Groes.

“His vast hands-on experience in leading complicated projects in cutting edge technologies and effective communication skills with both technical and non-technical staff will help propel EveryMatrix forward.”

Win systems welcomes new EU sales director

François Bourlier has been named as Win Systems’ new European Sales director as the tech provider looks to expend its footprint in Europe.

Bourlier has previously worked for companies such as Pokertek and TCS JohnHuxley where he held business development manager and account executive roles.

“We are proud to welcome François to our company; his experience in the European market will greatly contribute to the expansion in this continent,” Win Systems CEO Eric Benchimol, said.

Intralot director of legal affairs departs

Intralot has revealed that director of institutional relations and legal affairs Mauro Grimaldi has left the company after eight years.

The firm said that Grimaldi had played a “significant” role in Intralot emerging as one of the top gaming operators in Italy, and thanked him for his efforts.

Prior to joining Intralot back in 2007, Grimaldi served as director general of Toto and director of Lottomatica.