The last week of July proved to be a light period for job movement in U.S. gaming.
Each week, SBC Americas details the latest hires, exits, and promotions impacting the commercial gaming industry.
Bragg Gaming to welcome new board chair
Earlier this week, Bragg Gaming Group appointed Matt Davey as the new chair of its board.
Davey replaces Holly Gagnon as a non-executive chair amid Bragg’s recently closed acquisition of B2B online casino firm Drayton International in a deal valued at $9m.
“Bragg has built the foundations needed for a powerful platform and distribution business: real content, real technology, and real licenses in highly regulated markets,” said Davey.
“The next chapter is about disciplined execution — focus, balance sheet strength, operating cash flow, and revenue growth driven by letting the product do the talking. I’ve built businesses through this phase before, and I look forward to supporting the board and management as they do it here.”
Davey is leading Bragg’s board as a former CEO at SG Digital, a business arm of Scientific Games. He is also the founder and CEO of gaming-focused investment fund Tekkorp Capital.
Michigan regulator prepares to make changes
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) will have a new chair, with Jim Ananich relinquishing his role with the gaming regulator on Aug. 1. Ananich is stepping down with two years left on his term after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed him as chair of the MGCB in April 2025, with his term expected to end in December 2028.
Ananich will be replaced by James H. Townsend, who will serve as chair until the term expires in 2028.
“Jim Townsend is a proven leader whose legal, legislative, and economic development experience make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the board,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “I look forward to working alongside him as the board carries out its critical mission on behalf of Michigan residents.”
Townsend joins an MGCB board that also includes:
- Joni M. Thrower Davis
- Mark Evenson
- Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds
- Andrew T. Palms
Townsend is currently the director of Wayne State University’s Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy. The former legislator assumed the role in November 2019.
