People news 10/01/13
The latest people moves from the egaming industry in the last 14 days (4 January to 10 January 2013).
AGA chief Fahrenkopf steps down
Fahrenkopf has been the first and only chief executive of lobbying organisation since its inception in July 1995
Frank Fahrenkopf has stepped down from his role as chief executive of the American Gaming Association (AGA) after more than 17 years in the role.
Having served as the lobbying organisation’s first and only CEO since its inception in 1995, Fahrenkopf informed the AGA he would be leaving in December 2011 and succession planning has been active since that point.
“I have enjoyed my time at the helm of this incredible organisation and am proud to have represented an industry that provides tens of millions of men and women with the best entertainment value in the world,” Fahrenkopf said. “It has been a true honor to work with so many passionate and innovative leaders as we have moved the industry forward during the past 17-and-half years.”
An executive search firm has been retained to identify Fahrenkopf’s successor. After 30 June, he will be retained as a consultant to the AGA to assist with the transition through at least the end of 2013.
Black Friday indictee Elie has prison reporting date postponed
Chad Elie, one of the 11 individuals indicted on Black Friday, is awaiting a final ruling from Judge Lewis Kaplan on whether he will avoid maximum security prison.
Elie’s reporting date has been pushed back until the end of this month, and he said via his Twitter account: “[Judge Kaplan] does not want me in Maximum Security Prison.” He had earlier revealed through the social networking site that he had been assigned to a maximum security facility on Christmas Eve.
The payment processor had pleaded guilty in March last year to a single count of bank fraud, having earlier seen a motion to dismiss – filed jointly with fellow defendant John Campos – thrown out by Judge Kaplan.
IGT urges shareholders to shun ex-CEO’s director bid
International Game Technology (IGT) has urged its shareholders to vote against the election of four new directors linked to its former chairman and CEO Charles Mathewson, claiming their appointment would be detrimental to the company’s prospects.
Ader Management Group, a New York-based investment manager founded in 2003 by Jason Ader, has informed the gaming supplier that it intends to nominate Jason Ader, Raymond Brooks, Charles Mathewson and Daniel Silvers for directorship.
Ader claims to own more than eight million shares of IGT common stock, or approximately 3% of total IGT shares.
PokerStars has named triple-crown winner Jake Cody as its newest sponsored poker pro. Cody, who is currently playing at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in the Bahamas, was sponsored by PKR for one year until his deal with the operator drew to a close in November.