Key stakeholders in gaming are continuing to reshape their organizational structures.
Each week, SBC Americas highlights the latest workforce and leadership changes in U.S. commercial gaming.
Here’s the industry’s latest hires, exits and promotions.
Affinity Interactive adds a new marketing expert
Affinity Interactive added a new member to its executive team by appointing Chad Brown as chief marketing officer. At Affinity Interactive, Brown will oversee the execution of the company’s marketing and brand development strategies across the entire business.
“This opportunity represents an exciting new chapter in my career, and I’m honored to be part of a talented leadership team building across such a dynamic portfolio of brands,” said Brown in a LinkedIn post. “I’m looking forward to the work ahead, the teams I’ll get to serve alongside, and the opportunity to help build meaningful connections between these brands and the customers who experience them.”
In addition to the company’s gambling operations, Affinity Interactive will leverage Brown’s marketing expertise to bolster the marketing efforts of its non-gaming brands. The properties include Mrs. Fields, Xperience Restaurant Group and Pink Taco.
Before joining Affinity Interactive, Brown served as president and CMO at CBA Professional Marketing Services.
He also had a stint as CMO at recreation company PrairieFire.
OCCC loses executive director to retirement
Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) Executive Director Matthew Schuler is retiring as a founding executive director. Schuler is retiring after spending 15 years leading the OCCC and developing the commission into a leading regulator in U.S. commercial gaming. Schuler helped guide the OCCC in Ohio’s adoption of sports wagering in 2023.
“It has been the honor of my life serving the people of Ohio and especially these last 15 years with the OCCC,” said Schuler in a statement. “I am immensely proud of what the team has built and incredibly grateful to the commissioners for their guidance and support over the last decade and a half.”
Before joining the OCCC, Schuler served as a clerk and chief of staff for the Ohio Senate.
The OCCC appointed Andromeda Morrison as interim executive director amid Schuler’s retirement. Morrison has also been integral in guiding the OCCC. She was named interim executive director after serving as deputy executive director and general counsel.
Bragg Gaming adds new board member amid acquisition
Bragg Gaming Group is adding Matt Davey to its board of directors as chairman. Davey is replacing Holly Gagnon, who will continue to serve on the board as an independent director. Davey is the founder and chairman of gaming-focused financial advisory and investment firm Tekkorp Capital LLC. He also previously served as CEO at SG Digital.
“We believe that Matt’s experience building and scaling global gaming platforms, particularly as a leader in innovating the distribution of gaming content, combined with his deep industry relationships, will be invaluable as we execute on this next phase of growth,” said Bragg CEO Matevž Mazij. “With the right team, the right technology, and a clear games-first focus, Bragg is positioned to lead the future of the global gaming industry.”
Bragg Gaming announced Davey’s appointment following its agreement to acquire gaming technology and content platform Drayton International for an undisclosed price. Before the agreement, Davey purchased approximately 1 million common shares in Bragg Gaming, while also owning Drayton International shares. The transaction between Bragg Gaming and Drayton International will provide Davey with a 10% ownership in Bragg.
Ex-Flutter veteran joins lottery giant
Gambling industry veteran Ruxandra Tereanu has joined Lotto.com as the company’s chief operating officer. Tereanu joins Lotto.com after holding various positions at Flutter Entertainment. At Flutter, she also worked for several of the company’s brands, including Betfair, Paddy Power, and FanDuel.
Most recently, Tereanu served as FanDuel’s VP of business operations. She also held the roles of senior director of strategy and operations and senior director of VIP operations.
