The U.S. gaming market underwent another week of leadership changes.
SBC Americas is providing a comprehensive overview of major workforce and leadership changes that will have a lasting impact on how businesses operate in the industry.
Each week, we’ll continue to share the latest hires and promotions that shape gaming.
Fanatics bolsters legal & regulatory team
Fanatics Betting and Gaming added a new member to its legal team with the hiring of former Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) Executive Director Sara Tait.
She joins Fanatics in a newly-minted role as SVP and Head of Legal and Regulated Industries. Tait joins Fanatics after spending more than 10 years at the IGC. In her new role, Tait will serve as legal counsel for Fanatics’ sportsbook, casino and prediction market operations.
Fanatics made another leadership change by promoting Alex Smith to chief legal officer. Smith previously held the role of VP of legal and regulatory compliance.
“Alex was one of our first hires, and he helped build our legal and regulatory apparatus that has allowed us to launch products rapidly in legal sports betting, iCasino and prediction markets,” said Fanatics Betting and Gaming Chief Executive Officer Matt King. “As we continue to grow, Alex is the perfect person to lead our legal and regulatory functions into the future.”
Tait will report to Smith in his new role at Fanatics.
Pavilion Payments adds new CPO
Pavilion Payments announced the appointment of Angelo Palmisano as Chief Product Officer. Palmisano joins Pavilion Payments after spending nearly five years at Jackpot Digital, serving as the company’s Chief Strategy Officer. He also had a stint at Aristocrat, where he was a SVP of Global Strategy and Innovation.
“Angelo has been at the forefront of gaming technology innovation for many years, and we’re excited to have him join Pavilion,” said Pavilion Payments CEO Diallo Gordon. “He brings a unique combination of entrepreneurial vision, product expertise, and deep industry knowledge. As we continue evolving our platform with deeper systems integrations and data insights, Angelo will be pivotal in guiding that journey.”
In his new role at the payments giant, Palmisano will oversee the company’s product development efforts and its innovation strategy for solutions designed for operators.
CFTC continues to stay busy
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) continued its hiring and promotion spree with the appointment of Jessica Harris as Chief Data Officer.
Harris will also serve as the government agency’s data division director, leveraging her 25 years of experience in financial regulation and data. The CFTC is familiar territory for Harris as she previously held roles at the agency and the National Futures Association.
“I am pleased to welcome Jess back to the CFTC,” said Chairman Michael Selig. “Data is integral to everything we do at the commission, from surveillance to policymaking, and Jess’s decades of experience will ensure the CFTC has the right data strategy during this period of rapid transformation and innovation in the derivatives markets.”
At the CFTC, Harris spent more than five years as a senior trading investigator. She most recently held the position of Managing Director at professional services giant PwC.
Betty Gaming hires new Chief of Staff
Canadian-focused iGaming operator Betty Gaming added Calvin Lee to its workforce as Chief of Staff to the company’s Group CEO, as well as VP of Strategy.
He joins Betty Gaming with a wealth of experience in tech, previously holding positions at Google and Facebook. He also spent nearly seven years as Chief of Staff at Ramp.
AGS recuits to spur global growth
Supplier AGS made two key appointments, hiring Brett Jackson as VP of Product Management of its Interactive business and Angelo Daino as the digital segment’s Country Manager for Europe.
“Both Brett and Angelo bring unparalleled expertise and a deep understanding of the gaming industry that will support AGS’ global expansion,” said AGS General Manager of Slots Mark DeDeaux. “Brett’s leadership in product development and Angelo’s regional acumen and commercial capabilities position them as integral to AGS’ growth strategy.”
Jackson joins AGS after previously working in the gaming industry for Aristocrat, IGT and Light & Wonder. Meanwhile, Daino joins AGS after a stint at GAN as an account manager.
ICRG commits to tribal gaming
The International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) hired Ashlee Olujic as Director of Tribal and Community Engagement.
“Ashlee brings a powerful combination of professional skills, academic insight, and commitment to tribal partnership,” said ICRG President Michael Soll. “Her leadership will help advance our mission to support high-quality research and education on gambling disorder while strengthening collaboration with Tribal Nations.”
Olujic, a member of the Oneida Nation, will guide the ICRG in fostering and securing partnerships between tribes and key stakeholders in gaming. She will also play an integral role in developing responsible gaming initiatives that serve tribal communities.
