People news 13 October 2016
The latest people news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (7 October to 13 October 2016)
Betsson to open second Malta hub
Around 300 staffers from a mix of departments set to move to new offices in St Julian’s
Betsson Group’s continued expansion has resulted in the firm opening an additional hub in Malta after outgrowing its existing headquarters, eGaming Review has learned.
The new base, named the Betsson E2 Hub, will see around 300 staff members from a mix of departments, yet to be confirmed, move to the new location.
The operator’s centralised operations will remain at its main headquarters in Ta’ Xbiex.
Speaking with EGR, Betsson Group chief HR officer, Taina Makkonen, said the initial opening of the new hub would “most likely” take place in November.
Q&A: David Attenborough, chief executive, Tabcorp
Two months ago, Australian operator Tabcorp made its first major push into the UK gambling market with the launch of Sun Bets, in partnership with News UK.
Despite some early hurdles, including some customers unhappy with the rigorous KYC controls, Tabcorp CEO David Attenborough is confident that the technical issues have been overcome and the brand is ready to flourish.
Sun Bets’ first TV ad is already doing the rounds, while Attenborough told EGR last week its app is due some major upgrades, including the integration of more The Sun editorial content.
EGR spoke to Attenborough to find out how Sun Bets will differentiate itself from established rivals, and whether Tabcorp has plans for more European expansion.
Seven days in people news:
SafeCharge bolsters board with PayPal and Visa Europe hires
Payment technology provider SafeCharge has appointed Robert Caplehorn and Jeremy Nicholds as non-Âexecutive directors, with Ed Warner stepping down from the board after two years following his retirement.
Caplehorn joins from PayPal where he was previously vice-president global legal operations, and previously held roles with Visa Europe as executive director (mobile) and senior vice president (European Sales and Marketing) at MasterCard Europe.
Commenting on the appointments, SafeCharge’s chairman, Roger Withers, said: “Their significant international experience and expertise in the epayments sector will be invaluable to SafeCharge at this stage of the company’s development.”
LeoVegas receives visit from Malta president
LeoVegas welcomed Malta’s President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca to its head office last week as part of the operator’s sponsorship of the President’s Solidarity Fun Run.
The president was given a tour of LeoVegas’ offices and met senior figures of the company, including co-founders Gustaf Hagman and Robin Ramm-Ericson.
“We’re honoured that for the first time, LeoVegas is co-supporting the annual President’s Solidarity Fun Run in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation,” Johan Styrén, CEO of LeoVegas Gaming, said.