North America’s commercial gaming industry experienced a shakeup this week with the appointment of former Virginia Lottery Executive Director Khalid Reede Jones as Allwyn’s new CEO of North America operations.
That executive hiring was just one of numerous organizational changes throughout the industry this week.
As we do every Thursday, SBC Americas is here to highlight the latest workforce and industry changes in gaming. Here’s what’s happened this week.
Mohegan completes two key promotions
Mohegan elevated two company veterans to new roles.
Joe Lobe has been given an assortment of new titles at the Connecticut-based casino operator. He is now the company’s General Counsel, Senior Vice President, and Chief Legal Officer. He will lead the execution of Mohegan’s legal and compliance strategies.
Lobe first joined Mohegan in 2020 as a legal counsel, and Mohegan has now promoted him after a brief stint as acting CLO in 2026, which followed Raymond Lin relinquishing the role. Lin currently serves as senior counsel at Mohegan.
The gaming and entertainment giant also promoted Kelly Sullivan, who assumed the role of SVP and Chief People Officer. Sullivan joined Mohegan in 2016 as a director of organizational development and has held various roles at the company. She also served as VP of Operations Strategy at INSPIRE Entertainment Resort.
“Joe and Kelly are both highly respected leaders whose long tenure at Mohegan and deep institutional knowledge have been instrumental to our success,” said Mohegan COO Joe Hasson. “Their leadership, expertise, and commitment to our organization strengthen our executive team as we continue to grow, evolve, and build on our position as a global leader in gaming entertainment and hospitality.”
NIGC adds new commissioner
On Monday, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) announced the appointment of William “Billy” Kirkland as an associate commissioner.
Kirkland was appointed to a three-year term as an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation with an expertise in regulatory affairs and public service.
“The Trump administration supports tribal sovereignty and economic development. Gaming is an important contributor to the economic success of many tribes,” said Kirkland. “I look forward to working alongside my fellow commissioners and NIGC staff to support a strong regulatory framework that upholds the integrity and success of Indian gaming.”
Kirland is an NIGC associate commissioner while also serving as the assistant secretary for the Division of Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior.
iGO bolsters board of directors
Earlier this week, Ontario’s online gambling government agency iGaming Ontario (iGO) appointed Alfredo Tan to its board of directors.
“iGaming Ontario plays a critical role in shaping a market that is competitive and innovative, while grounded in player protection, integrity, and responsible gaming – generating significant economic value for the province,” said Tan in a LinkedIn post. “I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members and the entire team to help guide this globally relevant and rapidly evolving sector.”
Tan joins iGO’s board as a global chief digital and information officer for retail giant Canada Goose. The executive brings a wealth of experience in technology and data to the iGO and is also a board member at UNICEF Canada. Before joining Canada Goose, Tan held various roles at:
- Loblaw Advance
- Rogers Sports & Media
- WestJet
- Meta
- Yahoo!
“His expertise will support our work to deliver a modern online gaming market that prioritizes consumer protection and choice,” said iGO.
GCI welcomes new director
Gaming Compliance International (GCI) has hired Stephen Aupy as the company’s Director of International Business Development.
“I feel very blessed to be working alongside the likes of Matthew Holt to help grow GCI’s global footprint and am feeling very blessed to be working with a very strong and capable team,” said Aupy in a social media post. “GCI is one of the most impactful new organizations operating within the global RegTech space today.”
Aupy joins GCI with gaming expertise, having previously served as VP of Strategic Partnerships and as a business development manager at gambling blocker Gamban.
The new hire also spent time as a business development manager at Mindway AI.
